As Walker Buehler targets a potential return to the Los Angeles Dodgers in September, Blake Treinen is also working his way back from a significant injury in hopes of pitching this season.
After appearing in only five games during the 2022 campaign because of a tear in the capsule of his throwing shoulder, Treinen underwent surgery to repair his labrum and rotator cuff last November.
The right-hander is currently rehabbing in Arizona, where he has thrown multiple bullpen sessions. In a surprise, Treinen followed Buehler in facing batters at Chase Field on Wednesday.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts closely watched Treinen and came away encouraged, SportsNet LA
“Blake was 100th percentile in the sense of he’s been throwing ‘pens and it’s kind of been 86, 87 (mph). And he touched 94 today, so it was a lot more than we anticipated. I stood behind and watched, the cutter and slider all had a lot of movement to them. So hopefully he comes out of it well and he should be throwing in the next three, four or five days again.”
Roberts added he’s more confident now in the likelihood of Treinen returning at some time in September than he previously had been:
“I personally am. When you see the ‘pens and you hear 86, 87, it just seems like we were really far off. But what I saw today, that’s also hoping he comes out of it OK, but the stuff today, that plays.”
While the latest update on Treinen is encouraging, the Dodgers will continue being cautious with him in his recovery. The 35-year-old presumably still needs to go on a lengthy Minor League rehab assignment before he has any chance of pitching in a big league game this season.
Treinen went 1-1 with a 1.80 ERA, 3.91 FIP, 0.40 WHIP and 10.8 strikeouts per nine in his limited time on the mound last year. In parts of three seasons with the Dodgers, he owns a 10-9 record, 2.45 ERA, 3.00 FIP, 1.01 WHIP and 9.9 strikeouts per nine across 103 innings pitched (104 games).
Blake Treinen contract with Dodgers
As Treinen was facing uncertainty with his future because of the right shoulder injury, the Dodgers signed him to a contract extension that includes a team option for 2024.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
