After a dominant 2021 campaign, Blake Treinen made only six appearances for the Los Angeles Dodgers between the regular season and playoffs this year due to a tear in the capsule of his right shoulder.
Treinen initially treated the injury with a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, rest and a rehab program. While he was able to return for three games, the right-hander ultimately underwent right shoulder surgery to repair his labrum and rotator cuff last month.
The procedure was performed by Dr. ElAttrache, who recommended Treinen have the season-ending surgery in April. Given the nature of the operation, it is likely the 34-year-old will be sidelined for the majority of the 2023 season, if not all of it.
Although the odds are against him, Treinen is optimistic he will return from shoulder surgery at some point during the 2023 season, via David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio:
Treinen told me he’s confident that he will pitch at some point in 2023 season.
Treinen originally wanted to avoid the surgery but eventually realized it was worth having it. “My wife and I just felt the need to seek God and prayer, and see what his hand is in the recovery process,” Treinen said in September.
“Had some good friends of the family out in Colorado give us some insight of sometimes you’ve got to ask God how he wants to heal you, versus just being praying for something miraculous. Then went back and that’s when we had our conversations with Andrew (Friedman), and very grateful they were willing to see a benefit in both ways. So we agreed to do the rehab process.”
As Treinen was facing uncertainty with his future, the Dodgers signed him to a contract extension that includes a team option for 2024. Prior to that point, the club held an $8 million team option and $1.5 million buyout on him for 2023.
Dodgers bullpen without Blake Treinen
With Treinen expected to miss a significant chunk of the 2023 season, the Dodgers bullpen could consist of some combination of Yency Almonte, Phil Bickford, Caleb Ferguson, Brusdar Graterol, Daniel Hudson, Shelby Miller, Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia.
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