The Los Angeles Dodgers have amplified their bullpen needs by signing free-agent flamethrower and closer Blake Treinen. Treinen signed with the Dodgers in 2020 but has now ventured into his new environment. Treinen demonstrated himself as a reliable, elite, and shutdown closer for the Dodgers. However, the veteran has shown success throughout his MLB career with substantial postseason experience.
Dodgers Bring Back Shutdown Reliever
SOURCE: The #Dodgers have agreed to terms with RHP Blake Treinen on a 2-year, $22 million deal. pic.twitter.com/gdE1AiMiPN
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) December 9, 2024
He was an All-Star in 2018 with the Oakland Athletics and is a two-time World Series champion with the Dodgers (2020 and 2024). Treinen showcased a dominant October, sporting an ERA of 2.19 with a 2-0 record, along with 18 punchouts and three saves across nine appearances. Treinen was the hero of game five as he came in to pitch in a high-leverage situation and then went on to record seven outs and threw 42 pitches. It’s the most pitches he has ever tossed in a Dodger uniform. The Dodgers beat the New York Yankees 7-6 and earned their eighth World Series title.
Treinen has also played with the Washington Nationals but has owned a 43-34 record, 80 saves, 560 strikeouts, and an impressive ERA of 2.78. His most alluring season in terms of ERA was with the Athletics in his 2018 All-Star season, with an unbelievable ERA of 0.78. But when it comes to Treinen, he accounts for more than just being dominant. The veteran has also showcased resiliency and strength.
In 2020, Treinen received the unfortunate news that he was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and borderline type 2 diabetes. However, following these health issues, Treinen fought through the adversity. He went on to achieve greatness, pitching at a speed of 100 mph with his sinker. Overall, he is a force to be reckoned with. However, Blake also has a filthy sweeper that was proven effective against the Yankees in the World Series. The horizontal break that it carries makes it such a sneaky pitch to fool hitters.
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