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What Do the Dodgers Do With Their Struggling High-Leverage Reliever?
(Top Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

What Do the Dodgers Do With Their Struggling High-Leverage Reliever?

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Katherine Wacker  |  Last updated Mar 19, 2026 3:03 PM ET

Opening Day is fast approaching, and the Los Angeles Dodgers still have a few decisions to make, including one they may not have anticipated. Right-handed reliever Blake Treinen seemed to be a lock to make the roster next week. He could be counted on to get high leverage outs in the not-too-distant past. However, he looks like a shell of his former self lately. Can the Dodgers afford to be patient?

A Long Road Back

In 2024, the right-handed bullpen veteran had shoulder surgery prior to the season. Shoulders take a longer time to recover than elbows do after being under the knife. As a result, Treinen’s return was delayed. But it was worth the wait. He carried a sub-two Earned Run Average in limited, but pivotal outings. In short, the Dodgers don’t get the World Series or win it without Treinen. His heroic efforts in Game Five are the stuff of legend. He bridged several innings, and it allowed the Dodgers to complete the comeback in game five of the Fall Classic.

Another Setback

However, it came at a cost. The right-hander’s return in 2025 was delayed with a shoulder issue. When he eventually returned, he wasn’t effective at all. There were glimmers of the shutdown reliever, but only glimmers. His Earned Run Average ballooned to an uncharacteristic five-ish Earned Run Average for the year, and it was worse in the postseason.

Blip, Pattern, or Something More?

For what it’s worth, Treinen has had an uneven career of sorts. He was “due” for a down year last season. However, Spring Training isn’t trending in the right direction for the veteran thus far. He has been blown up in his last two outings. He has given up multiple runs and struggled with his control. As a result,  his E.R.A. is now over 11 and 1/2.

Panic Time

It should be noted that one has to be careful when drawing conclusions from Spring Training. The primary objective is to stay healthy while working on mechanics. The games don’t count, and pitchers are more concerned about working and refining their pitching selection. For his part, Manager Dave Roberts isn’t worried. He doesn’t see a lack of ability. When Treinen is effective, he’s filthy. His sinker and sweeper are nearly unhittable. Roberts doesn’t think that it is a recurrence of the shoulder injury. He sees a lack of execution, “a lack of conviction,… no confidence.”

The Plan Going Forward

Unless there is evidence of an injury, the Dodgers plan to ride or die with their late-inning reliever. A week before the regular season starts, Treinen has secured himself a spot in the bullpen. With a long season ahead, Los Angeles will try and be patient with their World Series hero as he continues to work out the kinks. They know that they are going to have to depend on everyone on the roster if they want to accomplish their lofty goal of a three-peat.

They do have reinforcements down on the farm in River Ryan and Kyle Hurt should they be needed. Both the Dodgers and Blake Treinen hope that he can figure it out before then, for both their sakes.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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