Blake

Treinen

Treinen was summoned to protect a three-run lead in extra innings during the opening contest of Tuesday’s doubleheader at Citi Field and needed just 13 pitches (nine strikes) to hurl a flawless frame. He struck out Brett Baty, got Tomás Nido to fly out and fanned Francisco Lindor to preserve the victory. It was his first save in the majors since the 2021 campaign.

Hudson got the call to protect a two-run lead in the final frame and tossed a flawless frame on 12 pitches (10 strikes). It’s worth noting that both Blake Treinen and Alex Vesia might’ve been unavailable after pitching during Monday’s series opener. This was Hudson’s first outing since an ugly blown save last Friday against the Braves. It’ll presumably remain a closer by committee situation with Hudson, Treinen and Vesia splitting the ninth-inning duties until Evan Phillips is ready to return from the injured list at some point later this month.

The performance is of note because Treinen was tasked with facing Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies with the Dodgers up 4-1 in the eighth inning. He retired both on a combined five pitches. With Evan Phillips on the injured list with a hamstring injury, it’s possible Treinen could emerge as at least part of the closer committee. It was presumed that Daniel Hudson would lead the pack, but he didn’t pitch at all in this game despite not pitching since Friday. He could have been held back for the save, but it’s meaningful to note the hitters Treinen was tasked with getting out; he clearly has Dave Roberts’ trust.

Phillips was diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain and placed on the injured list before Sunday’s game against Atlanta. The right-hander will miss at least two weeks, but it doesn’t sound like a (relatively) long-term injury for the 29-year-old closer. While Phillips is out, Daniel Hudson and Blake Treinen will be the favorites for save chances, with Hudson the most likely to pitch the ninth in the coming days.

Treinen is back as anticipated, which is good news. The bad news is the right-hander returns while Evan Phillips is placed on the injured list with a hamstring strain. Now that Treinen is back in the fold, he could see save chances in the coming weeks with Phillips unavailable.

Roberts also said that he won’t be easing Treinen back into action and that he won’t hesitate to use him in high-leverage situations from the get-go. The 35-year-old right-hander should provide a major boost to the back end of the Dodgers’ bullpen, but it’s unlikely that he takes too many save chances away from Evan Phillips.

Treinen worked in back-to-back minor league games without issue on Wednesday and Thursday — which was the last hurdle that he needed to clear before activation. Expect the 35-year-old right-hander to rejoin the Dodgers’ bullpen any day now.

Treinen should only require a handful of rehab appearances before he’s ready to make his season debut. The 35-year-old veteran reliever has been out since early March after suffering a bruised lung when he was hit by a comebacker during a spring training contest.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Treinen could head out on a minor league rehab assignment shortly. The 35-year-old veteran righty has been out since early March after suffering a bruised lung when he was hit by a comebacker during a spring training contest.

Treinen landed on the injured list back in mid-March with a bruised lung, so it’s a positive sign that he’s back throwing without any issues. The 35-year-old veteran righty should be ready to make his season debut at some point later this month.