Los Angeles Dodgers: Blake Treinen taking next step toward return
After what has been an injury-filled 2022 season for Blake Treinen, the Los Angeles Dodgers might be getting the veteran right-hander back to bolster the bullpen at just the right time.
Los Angeles Dodgers: The latest injury information on Blake Treinen
According to reports, the 34-year-old Treinen is scheduled to restart his throwing program Tuesday in San Diego when the Los Angeles Dodgers open a three-game series against their Interstate-5 rivals. Treinen was placed on the 15-day injured list on September 10 (retroactive to September 7) with right shoulder tightness. The move came just days after Treinen was activated from the 60-day injured list following right shoulder inflammation.
In all, Treinen has pitched in just five games this season for the Dodgers. However, when he has been on the mound, he has once again proven himself effective, allowing just one hit and one run over 5.0 innings pitched.
Since joining the Dodgers before the 2020 season, Treinen has posted a combined 2.45 ERA/3.00 FIP/1.010 WHIP in 104 appearances spanning 103.0 innings.
If Treinen can return in time for the postseason, it would be a big boost for a Dodgers bullpen that has just seen Craig Kimbrel relieved of his duties as closer. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts has indicated he will likely deploy a “closer by committee” approach as Kimbrel tries to find his new role in the Dodgers bullpen.
Treinen, if he proves healthy, will likely factor into that committee role. This season, Treinen has worked three games in the seventh inning and two games in the eighth, serving as a set-up man. However, with the Dodgers holding the top seed in the National League, Roberts will likely have additional time while waiting for the Wild Card round to end to not only ensure Treinen’s health, but also see how he can be employed in the late innings as L.A.’s postseason march begins.
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Already with 105 wins entering Sunday’s series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Dodgers are likely to get even stronger if Treinen can return in time for the postseason.