The Los Angeles Dodgers saw the long-awaited return of reliever Blake Treinen on Sunday afternoon.
Treinen has pitched only five Major League innings since the start of 2022 after being a staple of the team’s bullpen in 2020 and 2021. But on the same day they got Treinen back, they lost another elite reliever in Evan Phillips, who was placed on the 15-day injured list.
It’s just another bump in the road for what has been a rollercoaster start for the Dodger bullpen in 2024. Despite recent success, they began the year facing major struggles without Treinen and Brusdar Graterol. And even as the production has turned around, the injury luck hasn’t with Phillips and Ryan Brasier.
But Treinen made his 2024 debut on Sunday, pitching one scoreless inning with one strikeout, inducing two swings and misses in 11 pitches. He spoke about the chest injury that landed him on IL to begin the season and how he’s feeling now, via Doug Padilla of The O.C. Register:
“I felt pretty dang close (to normal) in spring before I got hit,” Treinen said. “My biggest thing is gaining a perspective of being grateful that I’m 35 and still have a chance to play and am on a team that is incredibly talented and has so much depth. I’m grateful for the opportunity here still.”
Phillips, on the other hand, now heads to the IL after suffering a minor hamstring injury during pre-game warmups. It is not expected to be a long-term injury, but manager Dave Roberts wanted to be safe above all else. However, that didn’t lower his disappointment for what has been happening in the Dodger bullpen this season:
“It’s certainly unfortunate and a little disconcerting,” Roberts said of all the bullpen injuries. “You’re certainly frustrated for the players. As far as for us, it’s kind of the next man up and it gives opportunity for someone else, obviously. Blake was going to be back anyway so this keeps another player around for an opportunity.”
The Dodgers have to feel good about the fact that they are currently a top-10 bullpen in spite of all the injuries. However, getting their fully healthy relief crew back remains the top priority.
Losing Phillips in exchange for Treinen is not what the Dodgers were hoping for, as Treinen working as a bridge for Phillips would have been an excellent pairing.
Dodgers see return of Walker Buehler on Monday
In starting pitcher injury news, the Dodgers are getting back ace Walker Buehler on Monday against the Miami Marlins. Buehler missed the entire 2023 season after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery, and is ready to get back on the mound at the big league level.
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