Dodgers’ Reliable Reliever Blake Treinen Nearing Comeback for 2023 Season
After Injury Setback, Treinen Aims to Bolster Dodgers' Bullpen for Potential Championship Run
Encouraging developments continue to surface from the camp of injured pitchers, with positive news arriving from the Dodgers’ corner. A key reliever who played a crucial role in the team’s 2021 season is on the brink of making a comeback in 2023.
Blake Treinen, whose reliability shone through in the previous year, had to start this season on the 60-day injured list due to right shoulder surgery undertaken during the off-season. The initial outlook pointed towards a full-year absence for Treinen. However, a shift in the winds of fortune has ignited his confidence in a potential return to the mound for the Dodgers in the near future.
The journey has been arduous for the 35-year-old, spanning two years of challenges. Following an impressive sub-2 ERA performance in 2021, Treinen grappled with health issues, managing to pitch a mere six innings in the entirety of 2022.
Recent reports indicating Treinen’s potential resurgence this season prompted him to address the media about his readiness to contribute. In an unexpected turn of events on Wednesday, Treinen demonstrated his mettle by pitching to live hitters for the first time, displaying an evident increase in his pitch velocity. This bodes well for a potential mid-season return. As the current season approaches its conclusion, Treinen faces a twofold challenge – rejuvenating his presence to bolster the Dodgers and reaffirming his ability to deliver a high-caliber performance, unburdened by injuries.
Treinen’s earlier performance showcased his prowess as one of the league’s premier relievers. During his three-season tenure with the Dodgers, his track record boasts a commendable 2.45 ERA, coupled with a noteworthy 113/34 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an impressive 175 ERA+.
The Dodgers’ pitching arsenal could greatly benefit from Treinen’s resurgence, should he replicate his past successes. The team’s bullpen ERA currently ranks 19th in the league, and their standing in walks allowed resides in the lower echelons.
Considering Treinen’s optimistic outlook, it appears likely that he will be an integral presence during the upcoming postseason, fortifying the team’s bullpen and potentially propelling them towards yet another World Series Championship bid.
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