The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced the return of pitcher Blake Treinen from the injured list, a significant development as the team gears up for the postseason. Treinen had been sidelined for a month due to shoulder fatigue, but he is now ready to contribute as the Dodgers look to solidify their playoff roster.
In a strategic move, the Dodgers placed Will Klein on the 60-Day Injured List and also added left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer to the IL due to left elbow inflammation. These changes come as the team faces mounting injury challenges, making Treinen's return all the more crucial.
Treinen has worked diligently to regain his form, taking a careful approach to his rehabilitation. He initially paused throwing to allow his shoulder to heal before gradually ramping up his activity, which included minor league rehab appearances and live batting practice sessions. His return comes at a pivotal moment, as the Dodgers prepare for the final stretch of the regular season and the impending playoffs.
During the current season, Treinen has posted a 3.52 ERA and a 3.48 FIP, indicating a performance that is slightly above league average. This marks a notable improvement from his 2025 season, where he struggled with a 5.40 ERA and a 4.75 FIP over a similar number of games. Last year’s difficulties were largely attributed to injuries, but Treinen has entered the 2026 season in relatively good health, which bodes well for his potential impact in the postseason.
If Treinen's shoulder has fully recovered, his experience and skill set could make him a valuable asset for the Dodgers as they aim for another championship run. His ability to perform under pressure will be vital as the Dodgers navigate the challenges of the postseason.
On the other hand, Lauer's recent struggles have led to his placement on the injured list. He has faced difficulties in his last few outings, including a particularly poor performance where he allowed seven runs in just three innings. Lauer had recently returned to the starting rotation to help fill the void left by Shohei Ohtani's unsuccessful pitching comeback, but his inability to find success has now resulted in his absence from the lineup.
As the Dodgers continue to contend for the top spot in the National League, Treinen's return could provide the boost they need to enhance their bullpen depth and overall performance. With the postseason on the horizon, every player’s contribution will be critical to the team's success.
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