The Los Angeles Dodgers lost a key member of their bullpen early in the season when Blake Treinen began dealing with right shoulder trouble.
They initially hoped he would only miss a few days, but that changed when Treinen was placed on the 10-day injured list on April 22. Though, even then it was expected to be a short stint. It was later determined that Treinen would be out until after the All-Star Game, and there reportedly is no guarantee he would return at all in 2022.
The Dodgers have remained hopeful Treinen will pitch again this season, and according to manager Dave Roberts, the veteran relief pitcher has resumed playing catch and thrown multiple times.
“He played catch, I think it was out to 60 feet,” Roberts said Sunday. “From what I hear, he came out of it well.”
On May 17, the Dodgers transferred Treinen to the 60-day IL, but it was a procedural move that didn’t necessarily change his timeline. The team has also been taking a patient approach with Treinen’s rehab to make sure they’ll have him healthy late in the season when he’s needed most.
Treinen only appeared in three games and pitched three innings before the shoulder trouble surfaced. Last season, he posted a 1.99 ERA and 2.88 FIP while striking out nearly 30% of hitters across 72.1 innings in the Dodgers’ fireman role.
Dodgers sign Treinen to contract extension
Although the question of when he will return remains, the Dodgers still re-signed 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 season. The 33-year-old will earn the same salary in 2023, but potentially could make less if he misses time for specific injuries, and the extension includes an option for 2024.
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