Following Sunday’s series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced the signing of Blake Treinen to a one-year contract extension that runs through the 2023 season.
The right-hander has appeared in only three games this year due to right shoulder discomfort and was placed on the 15-day injured list April 22. He has since been transferred to the 60-day IL and is not expected to return until some time after the All-Star break.
Treinen previously had an $8 million team option or $1.5 million buyout on his deal for next season. According to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times, 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:
According to multiple people with knowledge of the situation, the reliever will be paid $8 million, essentially guaranteeing the 2023 club option that was already on his current contract. The new deal also includes a conditional option for 2024. One person with knowledge of the situation said Treinen’s potential compensation for 2024 would be based on time missed for specific injuries. There’s a scenario where the 33-year-old right-hander could be a free agent after next season, as well.
Prior to placing Treinen on the IL last month, the Dodgers initially kept him on the active roster and hoped one week of rest would allow for pain to dissipate.
Treinen’s outlook changed as discomfort remained an issue. He declined to reveal specifics of the shoulder trouble, but maintained he will pitch again this season and suggested there is not structural damage.
“I honestly feel really good right now,” Treinen said last week. “It’s not really anything that’s causing a lot of discomfort. It’s more of a combination of things, so we’re just kind of taking it day-by-day to get myself right.
“We have a process to get myself back to playing. If it was something that bad, I probably wouldn’t be playing this year. The whole idea is to get myself back. Everybody has bumps and bruises along the way, and this is just one for me.”
Dodgers bullpen without Treinen
When the Dodgers activated Tommy Kahnle off the IL last month, he was mentioned as a candidate to eventually settle into a high-leverage role in Treinen’s absence.
But with Kahnle back on the IL due to right forearm inflammation, Phil Bickford, Brusdar Graterol and Daniel Hudson are key right-handers in the Dodgers bullpen.
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