The overwhelming majority of Los Angeles Dodgers injuries so far in the 2022 season have come within the pitching staff and seen the likes of Victor Gonzalez, Andrew Heaney, Tommy Kahnle and Blake Treinen miss extended time.
Treinen appeared in three games and pitched three innings before experiencing right shoulder trouble surfaced. The Dodgers kept him on the active roster but provided one week’s worth of rest.
There was initial optimism that time off would allow for Treinen to recover, but he wound up being placed on the 10-day injured list on April 22. That was projected to be a short stint before it became evident the veteran relief pitcher would be out for several weeks.
After a period of being shut down, Treinen began a throwing program earlier this month. He stretched it out to 120 feet on Sunday, which Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said went well and was another step forward in the recovery process, via SportsNet LA:
“Just talked to him right now, he says he made 60-plus throws. There was normal fatigue toward the end, but the stroke feels good. It’s pain-free, so it keeps getting better. I don’t know what that means as far as when he’s going to return, or get on a mound, or face hitters, but today was a positive day.”
The Dodgers transferred Treinen to the 60-day IL on May 17, but it was a procedural move that didn’t necessarily change his timeline. The team has also been taking a patient approach with Treinen’s rehab to make sure they’ll have him healthy late in the season.
Treinen should return some point after the All-Star break, but there reportedly is a possibility he doesn’t pitch again this year. For his part, Treinen has maintained he will come off the IL this season but also declined to provide specifics of the shoulder injury.
Dodgers signed Treinen to contract extension
Although they are facing several more weeks without Treinen being available, the Dodgers signed their valuable fireman to a one-year contract extension that runs through the 2023 season.
Treinen previously had an $8 million team option or $1.5 million buyout on his deal for next season. The 33-year-old will earn the same salary in 2023, but potentially could make less if he misses time for specific injuries, and the extension includes an option for 2024.
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