Blake Treinen is getting closer to a return, and the Dodgers could use the boost.
The right-hander has been out for nearly two months with right elbow inflammation, but he took another step Wednesday afternoon by facing batters again as he moves toward a rehab assignment. Treinen already faced hitters on July 29, and he said on SportsNet LA that he feels good about the direction he’s heading.
“I’ve had good practice at this,” Treinen said on SportsNet LA. “It’s unfortunately something I’ve been fairly familiar with, the process of rehabbing back in the middle of the season. We have a lot of great people here who have been very consistent with me, very patient.
“So for me, if I feel like I did today, that’s a huge blessing. And I’m grateful for it, because I don’t know if I’ve felt like that for a while.
“Even when I was pitching this year, there was times where I felt connected and other times where I felt like I was fighting myself. Today felt amazing. I feel very confident if it lines up, I’m healthy and throwing like I was today, I feel like I can really help the team down the stretch.
“So that’s my goal. One box a day to check off, and get back here whenever it lines up with the team. Today was a really good start.”
Treinen was moved to the 60-day injured list earlier this week, but that transaction didn’t really change his path. It only made Wednesday, Aug. 19, the earliest possible activation date, and that was already off the table since he still hasn’t begun a rehab assignment.
The 38-year-old may be headed to a Minor League affiliate soon to keep building up. MLB pitchers can spend up to 30 days on rehab, though Treinen probably won’t need the full window.
Before the injury, Treinen had gone 4-1 with a 3.52 ERA, 3.47 FIP and 1.35 WHIP in 23 innings over 29 games this season. If he gets back, he’d deepen a bullpen that recently got Edwin Díaz back and give Dave Roberts another high-leverage arm to lean on.
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