The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen has been an area of inconsistency this season, with Blake Treinen among the relief pitchers enduring a down year.
The right-hander has posted a disappointing 1-7 record with a 5.55 ERA and 1.85 WHIP in 24.1 innings across 29 appearances thus far.
Treinen has particularly struggled in September as he owns an 11.57 ERA and 2.43 WHIP over seven innings of work (nine games).
Although he has left a lot to be desired on the mound, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts continues to trust Treinen and believes he will turn a corner in the postseason.
“I think so,” Roberts began. “We’ve talked about the hitters, and not saying hitting and pitching is the same, but I do think the ideology is similar in the sense of, as you’re working through things mechanically, you’re looking at the stat line.
“But once you get to the postseason and in that mind, then nothing else matters except competing and doing your job. I do think Blake is a little caught up in the mechanic part of it.
“The performance in the postseason, success in the postseason has been fantastic, and sometimes there is something that kind of triggers in your mind that it’s familiarity, the competition, and you get on a run and get hot.
“So that’s what we’re expecting from Blake.”
Roberts previously attributed Treinen’s struggles to a lack of confidence and mechanical issues.
The 37-year-old is in the midst of his worst season but has an excellent track record and just a year ago was Roberts’ most trusted weapon out of the bullpen.
Roberts has taken a similar approach with some of the Dodgers’ other struggling relievers and believes they will rise to the occasion in the playoffs.
Dave Roberts ‘very confident’ using Blake Treinen
While his recent performance has not instilled confidence among Dodgers fans, Roberts said he is planning to use Treinen in high-leverage situations during the postseason.
“Certainly, I’d like to see some more consistent performance,” Roberts explained. “But at the end of the day, there’s going to be certain guys we’re going to go to in leverage, and certain guys we’re not going to.
“My trust in him is unwavering. I still feel very confident when I call to the bullpen and Blake comes in the game.”
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