Dodgers Offically Active Veteran Reliever Blake Treinen, Place Evan Phillips On IL

After long last, veteran right-hander Blake Treinen has been activated to return to the Dodgers. Treinen sat out most of the 2022 season and the entire 2023 season while dealing with shoulder injuries and recovery from surgery.

Unfortunately, the team also placed closer Evan Phillips on the injured list with a right hamstring injury.

Treinen was slated to return earlier but took a hard comebacker early in spring training that caused him to suffer a fracture of a few ribs. The veteran had been completing minor league rehab stints, throwing scoreless innings for Oklahoma City on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

With Treinen now in the mix, Los Angeles gets one of their more trusted relievers back. Prior to his injury, Treinen was one of the higher-leverage guys from manager Dave Roberts. When asked about his usage early on, Roberts didn’t hesitate and said he would use him where needed.

“I think for me … I don’t want to just kind of leave it in a situation where we’ve got to ease him in,” Roberts said. “I think a softer landing would be nice, but if the game calls for a leverage situation, I’ve got no problem going to him.”

Per Dave Roberts via The LA Times

In his last full season in 2021, Treinen posted an ERA of 1.99, while striking out 85 over 72.1 innings of work. He was former closer Kenley Jansen’s setup man and will likely be used in a similar spot. But with this new injury to Phillips, Treinen may be used as the closer until he returns.

If Treinen can remain healthy, the Dodgers bullpen will be that much better for having him back. His return has been a long time coming and Los Angeles very much could use his services for the rest of the year.

Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

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