Blake Treinen Could Still Return Later In Dodgers’ Postseason Run

Blake Treinen’s postseason door may not be completely closed.

Andrew Friedman provided a more encouraging update on the veteran reliever’s right shoulder, explaining that Treinen is dealing with soreness rather than an injury expected to require surgery.

Friedman stopped well short of predicting a return, but he also declined to definitively rule Treinen out for the remainder of October.

“Not decided firmly,” Friedman said. “It was clear for this round, but we’ll keep monitoring it as we go.”

Treinen is unavailable for the National League Division Series against Atlanta, and the Dodgers have not established a throwing progression or potential return date.

For now, a comeback remains only a possibility.

Initial Update Suggested Treinen’s Season Was Over

Treinen injured his shoulder while warming up in the bullpen during the Dodgers’ September 26 victory over the Giants.

He had been preparing to enter the game before experiencing what Roberts described as a flare-up. Roberts said afterward that Treinen’s season was over and that the right-hander would undergo imaging to determine the extent of the injury.

The Dodgers placed Treinen on the 15-day injured list the following day with right-shoulder inflammation.

Friedman’s subsequent comments left more room for a potential return than the initial update provided.

“Some shoulder soreness,” Friedman said. “It’s not surgical, but shoulder stuff.”

Avoiding surgery is encouraging, but shoulder soreness can remain unpredictable—especially for a pitcher who needs to regain enough strength, command and recovery capacity to handle postseason intensity.

The Dodgers will continue evaluating his response before deciding whether a return is realistic.

Treinen Cannot Return During The NLDS

Even if Treinen begins feeling better quickly, he cannot rejoin the Dodgers during their current series against the Braves.

His 15-day injured-list period does not expire until October 12, one day after the scheduled beginning of the National League Championship Series.

That timing makes an NLCS return difficult and potentially leaves the World Series as the more realistic opening—if Treinen progresses, Los Angeles advances and the Dodgers believe he can contribute.

There is currently no indication that he has reached that point.

Treinen would need to resume throwing, progress through bullpen sessions and likely face hitters before the Dodgers could confidently place him on a postseason roster.

Simply becoming eligible would not make him ready.

Shoulder Injury Followed An Elbow Absence

Treinen’s shoulder problem arrived after an already interrupted season.

The 38-year-old missed more than two months with right-elbow inflammation before returning in early September. He made seven appearances following his activation but was not immediately placed back into the highest-leverage innings.

Treinen finished the regular season with a 3.64 ERA, 31 strikeouts and 13 walks across 29⅔ innings and 36 appearances.

His limited workload and recent injuries would make a late postseason return particularly complicated.

The Dodgers would not only need Treinen to be medically cleared. They would also need confidence that his pitches were sharp enough to retire postseason hitters after another extended layoff.

There may not be enough time for a traditional rehabilitation assignment because the minor-league season has ended. Much of Treinen’s evaluation would likely have to occur through bullpen sessions, simulated games and live batting practice.

Dodgers Have Other Bullpen Options

Los Angeles constructed its NLDS bullpen without Treinen and will continue evaluating the pitchers currently available.

Edgardo Henriquez returned from his back injury in time to make the NLDS roster, while Roki Sasaki, Edwin Díaz, Evan Phillips, Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia are among the arms Roberts can deploy in important situations.

Emmet Sheehan also remains a potential option for a later round once he becomes eligible, giving the Dodgers another possible source of length and swing-and-miss ability.

That depth allows Los Angeles to avoid rushing Treinen simply because of his experience.

If the current bullpen performs well, the Dodgers would have to decide whether adding Treinen after a lengthy absence represents an upgrade or an unnecessary risk.

A Possibility Rather Than An Expectation

Friedman’s update is meaningful because it leaves open a door that initially appeared completely closed.

It does not indicate that Treinen is close to pitching.

There is no return date, no confirmed throwing program and no guarantee that the Dodgers will advance far enough for the decision to become relevant.

The most accurate description is that Treinen remains unavailable, but his injury may not be as definitive as initially feared.

If his shoulder responds and the Dodgers continue playing deep into October, the club could eventually face a difficult roster decision involving one of its most experienced relievers.

Until then, Treinen’s potential return should be viewed as something the Dodgers are monitoring—not something they are counting on.

If Treinen is medically cleared later in October, would you add him to the postseason bullpen or stick with the relievers who helped the Dodgers advance?