Dodgers Reinforce Bullpen: Blake Treinen Activated in Crucial Midseason Move
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially activated right-handed reliever Blake Treinen from the 60-day injured list, a significant midseason addition for a team with championship aspirations and a bullpen in dire need of stability. The move, confirmed on Saturday, marks Treinen’s long-awaited return to the mound following a prolonged rehab from a shoulder strain that sidelined him for the majority of the season.
While the return of a veteran reliever might not typically dominate headlines, Treinen’s activation could prove pivotal for the Dodgers as they navigate the final stretch before the playoffs and attempt to address one of their most glaring vulnerabilities: late-inning relief.
A Proven Weapon Returns
When healthy, Treinen has been one of the most dominant relievers in baseball. His 2020 season with the Dodgers was instrumental in helping the club secure its first World Series title in 32 years. In that championship run, he posted a 3.86 ERA across 27 appearances, displaying the power sinker and slider combination that made him a nightmare for right-handed batters.
His 2021 campaign was even more dominant — Treinen boasted a stellar 1.99 ERA across 72 games, allowing just 4 home runs all year. That version of Treinen gave the Dodgers an elite eighth-inning option and even occasional closing duties behind Kenley Jansen.
A Long Road Back
Treinen’s injury history in recent years has been frustrating both for him and the organization. He missed most of the 2022 season after undergoing shoulder surgery and struggled to regain full velocity in 2023 during a brief rehab stint. This year, his recovery was more methodical — under the watchful eye of the Dodgers’ high-performance staff, Treinen’s workload was gradually increased across Triple-A Oklahoma City appearances.
In his final rehab outing on July 23, Treinen threw a scoreless inning with two strikeouts, topping out at 96.4 mph on his fastball — a sign that he’s once again approaching his pre-injury form.
Why the Timing Matters
The Dodgers bullpen has been a tale of inconsistency in 2025. While All-Star closer Evan Phillips remains out with a lingering elbow injury, and Brusdar Graterol hasn’t pitched all year, L.A. has scrambled to piece together late-inning combinations. Veterans like Michael Kopech and Ryan Brasier have struggled with command, and the team currently ranks 22nd in home runs allowed per nine innings — a troubling stat for a club aiming to control October’s small margins.
Treinen’s return brings a potential solution. Even if he’s not immediately thrust into high-leverage spots, his presence adds a layer of depth, experience, and swing-and-miss stuff that few current relievers on the roster offer.
According to manager Dave Roberts:
“We’re not going to push him into the fire right away. But make no mistake — when he’s right, Treinen is one of the nastiest arms in the league. He’s earned every bit of this comeback.”
Roster Implications and Trade Deadline Impact
To make room for Treinen, the Dodgers optioned right-hander Nick Frasso back to Triple-A — a move many saw as temporary before the anticipated bullpen shakeup at the July 31 trade deadline.
L.A. remains heavily linked to multiple relief targets, including Oakland’s Mason Miller, White Sox’s Tanner Banks, and a potential reunion with former Dodger Joe Kelly. But if Treinen proves he can handle a consistent late-inning role, it may lessen the urgency for a major deal and instead allow the front office to pursue upgrades in other areas, such as left-handed bench bats or defensive depth.
What to Expect Moving Forward
Blake Treinen may not immediately return as the overpowering force of his 2021 peak — and after nearly two years of injuries and setbacks, the Dodgers are managing his workload with care. Still, even a version operating at 85% of his former self could provide tremendous value for a team currently leading the NL West and preparing for another deep postseason run.
For Treinen personally, this moment represents more than just another roster move.
“I’ve missed this clubhouse. I’ve missed competing,” Treinen said after rejoining the team. “You go through stuff like this and wonder if you’ll ever pitch again at this level. I’m just thankful to be back — and ready to help this team win.”
Bottom Line
Blake Treinen’s return might not generate the same headlines as Shohei Ohtani’s two-way heroics or Mookie Betts’ highlight-reel plays — but make no mistake, this is a high-leverage addition with playoff implications. In a season defined by star power and injury adversity, the Dodgers may have just quietly brought back one of their most important pieces.
As the postseason push begins, Treinen could once again become the difference between another early October exit — and a parade through downtown L.A.