While the Los Angeles Dodgers have generally gotten healthier in recent weeks, they remain without several key contributors in the bullpen. Blake Treinen has been sidelined for nearly two months due to right elbow inflammation, but continues to work his way back to the mound.
Treinen faced batters on July 29 and did so again Wednesday afternoon as he inches closer to beginning a rehab assignment. Given where he is in his recovery, the right-hander feels good about returning to the Dodgers before the end of the season.
“I’ve had good practice at this,” Treinen said on SportsNet LA. “It’s unfortunately something I’ve been fairly familiar with, the process of rehabbing back in the middle of the season. We have a lot of great people here who have been very consistent with me, very patient.
“So for me, if I feel like I did today, that’s a huge blessing. And I’m grateful for it, because I don’t know if I’ve felt like that for a while.
“Even when I was pitching this year, there was times where I felt connected and other times where I felt like I was fighting myself. Today felt amazing. I feel very confident if it lines up, I’m healthy and throwing like I was today, I feel like I can really help the team down the stretch.
“So that’s my goal. One box a day to check off, and get back here whenever it lines up with the team. Today was a really good start.”
Treinen was transferred to the 60-day injured list earlier this week, but the roster move didn’t have much impact on his timeline other than making Wednesday, Aug. 19, the earliest he can be activated. That was already out of the question given that Treinen hasn’t started a rehab assignment.
The 38-year-old could join a Minor League affiliate in the coming days to continue his progression. MLB pitchers are permitted a maximum of 30 days on a rehab assignment, but Treinen likely won’t need that much time.
Blake Treinen’s 2026 stats
Treinen has gone 4-1 with a 3.52 ERA, 3.47 FIP and 1.35 WHIP in 23 innings across 29 games this season. If he is able to return to the Dodgers, Treinen will fortify a bullpen that recently welcomed back Edwin Díaz and give manager Dave Roberts another option in high-leverage situations.
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