Blake Treinen returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen earlier this month, only to make two appearances before going back on the 15-day injured list with what the team called right shoulder tightness.
Although Treinen missed most of the season due to a partial tear in the capsule of his right shoulder, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated the latest issue was more in the lat area.
Treinen confirmed his shoulder soreness is unrelated to his previous injury and that he occasionally dealt with it during his recovery, per Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“I’ve just got some soreness in the muscle,” Treinen said, explaining that the issue was separate from the torn shoulder capsule that cost him four months this season and something he occasionally dealt with during his process of getting built back up on the mound.
Treinen was among multiple Dodgers relief pitchers who were ruled out from potentially appearing in the finale of their last homestand. After playing catch with a trainer watching last Saturday, the 34-year-old was placed on the IL.
Treinen’s IL stint was backdated to Sept. 7, which makes Thursday, Sept. 22, the first day he can return. Some of the shoulder soreness has already dissipated and Treinen is making progress toward facing batters.
The right-hander has appeared in five games this season, pitching to a 1.80 ERA, 3.91 FIP and 0.40 WHIP with six strikeouts against one walk across five innings.
Treinen mulled season-ending shoulder surgery
Treinen initially considered undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery before a physical discovered scar tissue had already formed in the shoulder.
“My wife and I just felt the need to seek God and prayer, and see what his hand is in the recovery process,” Treinen recalled. “Had some good friends of the family out in Colorado give us some insight of sometimes you’ve got to ask God how he wants to heal you, versus just being praying for something miraculous.
“Then went back and that’s when we had our conversations with Andrew (Friedman), and very grateful they were willing to see a benefit in both ways. So we agreed to do the rehab process.”
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
