Southern California's Dodgers are heading into the postseason with a key question mark in their bullpen after veteran reliever Blake Treinen sustained a right shoulder injury warming up in San Francisco on Saturday. The incident occurred as the team secured its 99th win of the season, a 4-3 victory over the Giants. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the news, stating that Treinen is likely out for the playoffs, expressing that the situation was "really unfortunate."
The specific nature of the injury is still being determined. Roberts indicated that he wasn't sure if it constituted "a complete blowout" but emphasized the setback. The team plans to move swiftly, placing the 38-year-old right-hander on the injured list as early as Sunday. Further imaging will be conducted to provide a definitive diagnosis of the shoulder issue. This late-season development casts a shadow over the bullpen's setup as the Dodgers look to make a deep run.
During the game where Treinen was injured, Mookie Betts contributed with a home run, and Blake Snell, making his first start back from injury for the Giants, gave up five hits and a run. While the Dodgers continued their winning ways, the focus quickly shifted to their veteran reliever.
Treinen holds a unique position on the team as the longest-tenured pitcher on the current Dodgers roster, a testament to his experience and history with the club. This season, he had been navigating a path back from previous ailments. He spent over two months earlier in the year on the injured list due to inflammation in his right elbow, highlighting a challenging campaign. Despite the interrupted season, Treinen managed to make 36 appearances for the Dodgers, where he recorded a 3.64 ERA, demonstrating his value when healthy.
His injury history, particularly concerning his shoulder, adds a layer of apprehension to this latest incident. Treinen underwent significant right shoulder labrum and rotator cuff repair surgery following the 2022 season, a major procedure that underscores the challenges he has faced. The timing of this new injury, just as the team gears up for the high-stakes environment of playoff baseball, creates an immediate need for the Dodgers to assess their bullpen options. The results of the upcoming imaging will be crucial in understanding the full impact on Treinen's season and the team's postseason strategy.
