The Los Angeles Dodgers postseason roster for the National League Division Series has to be finalized Tuesday morning, and if the past weekend was any indication, it could include Dustin May and Blake Treinen.
“They’re both going to be healthy enough to make it,” manager Dave Roberts said before the Dodgers’ final workout before the NLDS.
“We still have to sort of finalize the last couple bullpen spots, but these are good problems to have because we have a lot of viable options. We’re going to kind of talk through the final roster here after this workout.”
May made six starts after returning from Tommy John surgery before going on the 15-day injured list Sept. 24 because of lower back tightness. There was initial concern over May’s availability for the playoffs, but he made a relatively quick recovery after taking a short break from throwing.
However, in a best-case scenario, May would only be stretched out to four innings for the NLDS. He’s not among the four Dodgers starters but conceivably could be valuable out of the bullpen.
The Dodgers also have the option to not include May on their NLDS roster and instead have him continue to get work on the side and potentially get activated for the NL Championship Series.
“Like a lot of these final decisions, you could argue both ways,” Roberts acknowledged. “To have Dustin continue to stay online to build up where he threw three innings [Sunday], to get him on a regular routine, to build up to four innings, to have more length potentially in the potential next series, I think that you could argue that.
“But to have his arm talent in this series certainly makes a lot of sense, too. So yeah, this is kind of what we’re going back and forth on, and what gives us the best chance in this series, which is obviously most important. But also kind of how you can put the play in the best position to help your ballclub more and to your question about Dustin’s buildup.”
Treinen, who faced batters during an NLDS workout, is trying to overcome right shoulder trouble. His biggest obstacle has been health the ensuing days after throwing.
“After [Sunday], talked to him, felt great,” Roberts said. “The assumption, the hope is that he feels good [Monday]. And if that’s the case, then it’s hard to imagine him not being on the roster.”
Treinen has only appeared in five games this season, but been plenty effective when on the mound. If Treinen is included among the 13-man pitching staff, it would mark his first appearance in a Major League game since Sept. 5.
Will Dustin May and Blake Treinen make Dodgers postseason roster?
Given Roberts’ comments, it would appear May and Treinen both are likely candidates to be on the Dodgers postseason roster for their best-of-five matchup against the San Diego Padres.
With May, his usage likely would come in the form of providing some length in one relief appearance during the NLDS. Treinen could potentially pitch in multiple games, but the Dodgers have already ruled out back-to-back scenarios.
The lone off day during the NLDS is between Games 2 and 3.
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