Blake Treinen Injury Update: Will the 36-Year-Old Take the Field in Crucial Dodgers vs. Rangers Clash?

April 20, 2025 – Los Angeles Dodgers fans are holding their breath as the team faces the Texas Rangers in a pivotal series, with questions swirling about the status of veteran reliever Blake Treinen. The 36-year-old right-hander, a key piece of the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series-winning bullpen, was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 19 with right forearm tightness, casting doubt on his availability for this crucial matchup. As the Dodgers aim to maintain their strong start to the 2025 season, Treinen’s injury has sparked concern and speculation. Below, we provide the latest updates on his condition, explore his importance to the team, and assess whether he’ll return in time for the Dodgers’ clash with the Rangers.

The Injury: Right Forearm Tightness Sidelines Treinen

The Dodgers announced on April 19 that Blake Treinen was placed on the 15-day injured list due to right forearm tightness, a move that coincided with the activation of fellow reliever Evan Phillips from his own injury stint. According to reports from The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Treinen first felt discomfort following his last outing on April 13 against the Chicago Cubs, where he allowed a solo home run to Pete Crow-Armstrong in a 4-2 loss. The issue resurfaced when Treinen attempted to warm up during the series opener against the Rangers on April 18, prompting the team to send him for further evaluation, including an MRI.

Roberts expressed cautious optimism, stating he was “not too concerned” about the injury but noted that a clear timeline for Treinen’s return would depend on the MRI results. The decision to place Treinen on the IL was described as precautionary, with the Dodgers opting to give him time to recover rather than risk further damage. This marks Treinen’s second stint on the injured list in 2025, following a bruised lung sustained during spring training that delayed his season debut until May 2024.

Treinen’s 2025 Season So Far

Despite a challenging start to the year, Treinen has been a reliable arm in the Dodgers’ bullpen when healthy. In eight appearances this season, he has posted a 3.38 ERA with 10 strikeouts across eight innings, along with two saves and a 0-2 record. His performance has been somewhat inconsistent, highlighted by the April 13 outing against the Cubs, where he allowed two hits and a home run. However, Treinen’s track record suggests he remains a high-leverage option, capable of shutting down opponents in critical moments.

Treinen’s 2024 season was a triumphant return after missing all of 2023 due to shoulder surgery. He appeared in 50 regular-season games, posting a stellar 1.93 ERA and 0.94 WHIP with 56 strikeouts over 46.2 innings. His postseason performance was equally impressive, earning two saves in the NLDS and delivering a six-out save in Game 6 of the NLCS to send the Dodgers to the World Series. This resurgence led to a two-year, $18 million contract extension signed in December 2024, underscoring his value to the team.

History of Injuries: A Recurring Challenge

Treinen’s career has been marred by injuries in recent years, making his latest setback particularly concerning. In 2022, he pitched just five innings due to a partially torn shoulder capsule, followed by surgery in November 2022 to repair his labrum and rotator cuff. The recovery process sidelined him for the entire 2023 season, and a bruised lung caused by a comebacker during 2024 spring training further delayed his return. Despite these challenges, Treinen’s resilience has been evident, as he bounced back to play a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ 2024 championship run.

The forearm tightness diagnosis raises red flags, as such injuries can sometimes signal more serious issues, such as elbow problems. However, initial reports suggest the Dodgers are treating this as a minor issue, with Roberts indicating that Treinen’s attempt to pitch through discomfort on April 18 did not worsen the condition. The MRI results, expected soon, will provide critical clarity on whether Treinen faces a short-term absence or a more extended recovery.

Impact on the Dodgers’ Bullpen

Treinen’s absence, even if temporary, poses a challenge for the Dodgers’ bullpen, which has been a cornerstone of their success. The team has invested heavily in its relief corps, with Treinen, Tanner Scott (signed to a four-year, $72 million deal), and Kirby Yates (one-year, $13 million) forming a formidable trio. Scott has recorded seven saves in 2025, though his swing-and-miss stuff has been less dominant, while Yates boasts a 1.74 ERA. Alex Vesia and the newly activated Evan Phillips provide additional depth, but Treinen’s experience in high-leverage situations is difficult to replace.

Phillips’ return is timely, as the 30-year-old right-hander, who missed the 2024 World Series with a rotator cuff strain, is expected to resume a key role. However, the Dodgers’ bullpen has faced scrutiny for its reliance on a matchup-based approach, with Scott occasionally pitching earlier innings against left-handed-heavy lineups, leaving Treinen and others to handle save opportunities. Without Treinen, manager Dave Roberts may lean more heavily on Scott and Yates, potentially straining the unit in a tight series against the Rangers.

Dodgers vs. Rangers: A Crucial Series

The ongoing series against the Texas Rangers, a rematch of interleague rivals, carries significant weight for the Dodgers, who are looking to solidify their position atop the NL West. The Rangers, led by stars like Corey Seager and Adolis García, present a formidable challenge, and a strong bullpen is essential to neutralize their potent lineup. Treinen’s absence could be felt in late innings, especially if games are close, as his ability to induce groundballs and strand runners has been a hallmark of his success.

Given the 15-day IL placement, Treinen is ineligible to return until at least May 4, meaning he will miss the remainder of the Rangers series and upcoming games against the Chicago Cubs. The Dodgers’ decision to prioritize his long-term health over a rushed return suggests they are confident in their bullpen depth but underscores the importance of the MRI results in determining his season trajectory.

What’s Next for Treinen?

As of April 20, 2025, Treinen’s status for the Dodgers’ clash with the Rangers is clear: he will not take the field due to his IL stint. The focus now shifts to his recovery timeline. If the MRI reveals no structural damage, Treinen could resume throwing within days and potentially return shortly after his IL period ends. However, any indication of a more serious issue, such as an elbow strain, could sideline him for weeks or longer, a significant blow to the Dodgers’ postseason aspirations.

Treinen’s determination to overcome injuries is well-documented. In a 2024 interview, he expressed his desire to “walk away on my own terms” rather than let injuries define his career. His successful return in 2024 after nearly two years sidelined is a testament to his resilience, and fans are hopeful he can replicate that recovery in 2025.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

The news of Treinen’s injury has sparked concern among Dodgers fans, with many taking to X to express their frustration and hope for a speedy recovery. One user wrote, “Treinen on the IL again? This bullpen can’t catch a break!” while another noted, “Hoping it’s just a precaution—Blake’s too important for October.” Analysts, including ESPN’s Buster Olney, have emphasized Treinen’s value as a high-leverage reliever, warning that prolonged absence could test the Dodgers’ bullpen depth.

Conclusion

Blake Treinen’s right forearm tightness has ruled him out of the Dodgers’ crucial series against the Texas Rangers, leaving fans and the team awaiting MRI results to determine the severity of his injury. While the Dodgers’ bullpen remains formidable, Treinen’s absence is a setback for a team with World Series aspirations. His history of overcoming injuries offers hope, but the coming days will be critical in shaping his 2025 season. For now, the Dodgers must rely on their depth to navigate this challenging stretch, with all eyes on Treinen’s recovery.