While the Los Angeles Dodgers have their closer Craig Kimbrel struggling to consistently get outs at the MLB level, they do have some useful depth to help navigate high-leverage innings.
Additionally, they have an incredibly talented arm like Blake Treinen in the final phase of his recovery.
“Blake Treinen just threw a scoreless inning with OKC. Gave up a hit after Edwin Ríos’ two-out error, but finished it with a strikeout. Sat 93-96 mph on his sinker,” The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya tweeted.
Blake Treinen just threw a scoreless inning with OKC. Gave up a hit after Edwin Ríos' two-out error, but finished it with a strikeout. Sat 93-96 mph on his sinker.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 17, 2022
For reference, the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate plays in OKC.
The Dodgers will probably ask Treinen to pitch a few more innings in Triple-A before potentially rejoining their bullpen around next weekend.
The Dodgers Are About To Welcome Back A Truly Top Reliever
He has been out since April 14, but as long as his velocity keeps creeping up to his more normal 98-99 mph range, the Dodgers will have a terrific, experienced arm for the postseason.
Treinen has some closing experience back when he was with the Oakland Athletics, and could very well win the ninth-inning gig if Kimbrel keeps struggling.
Kimbrel has a disappointing 4.57 ERA for the season, coupled with an equally bad 1.55 WHIP.
The Dodgers could be putting together a super-bullpen come playoff time, and Treinen is projected to be a part of it.
Kimbrel’s spot is not as stable: if he keeps struggling to get outs, he could find himself not only out as the closer, but out of the roster altogether.
Such is life as a member of the best team in baseball: internal competition is just as strong as games against other teams.
There are very few relievers who are better and more proven than a healthy Treinen.
NEXT: Dodgers Manager Comments On Craig Kimbrel's Role