Dodgers Reliever Blake Treinen Doesn’t Want Career to Be Over

Treinen, 35, is looking to make a comeback after missing the entire 2023 season.

One key member of the Dodgers' bullpen since his 2020 arrival has been veteran Blake Treinen. The right-hander has been a relied-upon member of the relief staff since the team's last World Series championship run. His absence last season was heavily felt.

Treinen missed the entire 2023 season after undergoing shoulder surgery in Nov. 2022. He tried to make a comeback at the end of last season but was held back to make sure he was fully ready for this year.

Now 35, Treinen is ready to prove he is still a productive pitcher in the big leagues. He isn't ready for his career to end just yet.

“I don’t want my career to end the way that it presumably could have. And I want my kids to see [the importance] of hard work and not giving up when things get hard. My whole life has kind of been a testament to that. I’ve worked my tail off, God has opened a lot of doors, and I’m very grateful to have another opportunity.”

— Blake Treinen, via the Los Angeles Times

In 2021, Treinen put up a 1.80 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP across 72 games — one shy of his previous career high. He allowed only one hit, a home run, in five innings at the big-league level during an injury plagued 2022 season. 

It's been quite some time since Treinen has been healthy for a full season, but pitching coach Mark Prior is excited about his return.

“He’s been throwing the ball really well. Now it’s about building up that tolerance to be able to pitch every third day, two out of three, and obviously in back-to-back games. I don’t think that will be forced anytime soon.”

— Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior, via the Los Angeles Times

If Treinen can show he can perform well, he will surely reclaim his spot as a high-leverage reliever in the Dodgers' bullpen. Every team could use such a trusted relief pitcher for depth. 

On a Dodgers team with sky-high expectations, complimentary players like Treinen can make the difference between a season that falls short of expectations and another World Series title.