The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen has not included Blake Treinen on a full-time basis since the 2021 season, but that was expected to change this year.
Treinen made just five appearances in 2022 and one during the National League Division Series that year due to right shoulder trouble that ultimately required surgery. He hoped to make a return late in the 2023 season but that never came to pass due to lingering soreness and discomfort after bullpen sessions and rehab appearances.
The Dodgers exercised their $1 million team option on Treinen for 2024, and that was proving to be a prudent decision in Spring Training thus far.
But his latest appearance ended prematurely due to being hit by a comebacker in the ribs. Treinen was sent for X-rays and a CT scan, which revealed a bruised lung but no fractures, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
With Treinen avoiding any type of fracture, he should resume throwing in the coming days and still be available for the Seoul Series that begins March 20.
Including the two Texas Rangers batters faced on Saturday, Treinen has thrown 3.2 innings while allowing two hits and collecting two strikeouts in Cactus League play.
Dodgers relying on Blake Treinen
When recently discussing the Dodgers bullpen outlook for Opening Day, manager Dave Roberts said the anticipation was for Daniel Hudson, J.P. Feyereisen and Treinen to all be on the roster.
That was noteworthy in that each of the relievers either were rehabbing or suffered an injury last season and hardly pitched.
Roberts has since backed off the projection for Hudson, who has an opt-out date in his Minor League contract approaching but is unlikely to exercise it due to being part of the team’s early plans.
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