Dodgers News: Blake Treinen Always Had His Mind Set on Returning in 2023, But Will His Arm Cooperate?

Remember Blake Treinen?

You know, the guy who was one of baseball’s best relievers and virtually unhittable for the Dodgers in 2021. Well, that guy is continuing to progress from his shoulder injury, and could actually make a return to the Dodgers bullpen this season.

When the team was in Arizona, he was able to catch up with the media amid his rehab, and made it clear that he wants to make a return to an MLB mound this season.

“I’m confident I’ll be back. I just don’t know when that time is,” Treinen said. “I’d love to say ‘Hey, one month, (I’m) back.’ … I’ve got to start seeing some climbs in velo and then they can make the decision if I’m good enough to help them.”

Via Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register

Treinen threw to live hitters in Arizona and looked really good, even touching 94 mph, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

While he set a target goal for mid-August coming into the season which obviously won’t be hit, he’s still hoping to come back before the end of this year.

The Dodgers bullpen has obviously been a huge struggle this season, so a healthy Treinen would be a welcome boost.

In 2021, he was dominating opposing hitters as one of baseball’s best relievers, sporting an incredible 1.99 ERA with 85 strikeouts in 72.1 innings.

If Treinen can get back to being even close to that type of dominant, he would provide a massive boost for LA come postseason time.

Of course, they would need him to come back well before the postseason to get enough reps in the regular season to shake the rust. So at this point, he probably has about a month or so to get back to the majors to have a shot at helping out come postseason time.

Let’s hope he can do it.

Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

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