The Los Angeles Dodgers, despite their early season dominance, are dealing with injury issues just like any other team in Major League Baseball.
One key piece that the team has been without for some time is veteran reliever Blake Treinen, who is dealing with a shoulder issue.
Despite the veteran righty being on the injured list, the Dodgers have chosen to extend him through the 2023 season with a conditional option for 2024.
Dodgers insider Fabian Ardaya explained the reasoning for the team’s extension of Treinen, saying that it’s still very possible that he will return this season.
He also disclosed the terms of the deal.
It remains "very possible" that Blake Treinen is back at some point this season (he's been on the IL with a shoulder issue), source said.
Compensation for that conditional option in '24 can vary based off a variety of outcomes, and could range between $1 million and $7 million. https://t.co/rbWPXwkksa
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) May 22, 2022
Dodgers Lock Up Treinen
With Treinen on the injured list, this move seems like a bit of a head-scratcher.
If Treinen gets healthy, it makes perfect sense.
But with him still on the injured list, it’s just a tad confusing.
The 33-year-old has appeared in just three games this season, going 1-1 with a three ERA.
The extension picks up his option for the 2023 season that is worth $8 million and the conditional option for 2024 can vary based on a variety of different outcomes, as Ardaya notes, with the amount of money potentially ranging from $1 million to $7 million.
Again, right now, it’s a bit of a head-scratcher, but if Treinen gets healthy soon and returns to form, then this move is a good one for the Dodgers, who have the best roster in all of MLB.
There doesn’t appear to be a timetable on when Treinen will return, but as Ardaya mentioned, it is very possible that he will return at a certain point later in the season.
We’ll see if the move pays off.
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