The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Blake Treinen to a one-year contract extension that runs through the 2023 season. Treinen previously had an $8 million team option or $1.5 million buyout on his deal for next year.
After surprisingly being non-tendered by the Oakland Athletics, he initially joined the Dodgers on a one-year contract before the 2020 season. Treinen then re-signed with the Dodgers on a multi-year deal in January 2021.
“There was a handful of other teams that were pretty aggressive in wanting to sign me,” he said at the time. “The Dodgers checked all the boxes on things that we were looking for, so we ended up coming back. It’s a great organization.
“I had such a blast with the players and staff members, and my family really enjoyed being in L.A., so we’re excited to get back. Any time the best team in baseball wants to sign you, it’s a blessing.”
Treinen has filled the role of a dependable fireman out of the bullpen, and has performed so well to the point the Dodgers were reluctant to name him their closer when Kenley Jansen signed with the Atlanta Braves during Spring Training.
L.A. trading for Craig Kimbrel allowed for Treinen to remain the team’s most versatile relief pitcher, but his season has been interrupted by an unspecified right shoulder injury.
Treinen only appeared in three games prior to being placed on the 15-day injured list April 22. The right-hander last pitched in a game on April 14, and the Dodgers initially hoped a week of would allow for the pain to dissipate.
When will Blake Treinen return?
There was initial optimism Treinen would spend a short period of time on the IL, but his outlook changed as discomfort remained an issue. He’s now not expected to be activated off the 60-day IL until some time after the All-Star break.
However, the 33-year-old is confident he will make a full recovery.
“I honestly feel really good right now,” Treinen said last week. “It’s not really anything that’s causing a lot of discomfort. It’s more of a combination of things, so we’re just kind of taking it day-by-day to get myself right.
“We have a process to get myself back to playing. If it was something that bad, I probably wouldn’t be playing this year. The whole idea is to get myself back. Everybody has bumps and bruises along the way, and this is just one for me.”
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