LAS VEGAS – The shoulder problems that limited Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen throughout the 2022 season have not been resolved and will likely require surgery that would sideline him for most if not all of 2023 as well, according to a team source.
GM Brandon Gomes acknowledged only that the Dodgers are discussing options with Treinen.
Surgery is one of those options and would involve Treinen’s rotator cuff and labrum, a procedure that would require a 10-month recovery and could prevent him from pitching until late in the 2023 season if at all next year.
Treinen was sidelined for most of last season with what he eventually revealed was a tear in the shoulder capsule of his throwing arm. The 34-year-old reliever acknowledged that Dr. Neal ElAttrache originally recommended surgery early in the season but Treinen opted for a course of treatment centered on a platelet-rich plasma injection.
The capsule tear scarred over well enough for Treinen to return and pitch for the Dodgers in September. He pitched just five innings all season but was on the Dodgers’ postseason roster and made one appearance in the NL Division Series loss to the San Diego Padres.
But Treinen pitched in pain due to damage to his rotator cuff and labrum which now will have to be addressed before he can continue his major-league career.
An All-Star with the Oakland A’s in 2018, Treinen signed with the Dodgers following a down year in 2019. He was the Dodgers’ most valuable reliever in 2020 and 2021, posting a 2.48 ERA and 1.04 WHIP over 99 appearances.
While he was rehabbing from the torn shoulder capsule last May, the Dodgers signed Treinen to a contract extension that essentially assured the club option he had for 2023. Instead, his $8 million salary is guaranteed for 2023 with a conditional option for 2024.