Should Dave Roberts continue to use Blake Treinen in high-leverage situations this postseason?
The Dodgers’ bullpen has been under the microscope throughout the postseason, and Tuesday night’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies only amplified the concern. Veteran right-hander Blake Treinen, once one of the Dodgers’ most trusted late-inning arms, struggled mightily in his latest appearance, continuing a worrisome trend that has plagued him since September.
Treinen closed out the regular season with a disastrous month, posting a 9.64 ERA across 12 outings. Once known for his power sinker and ability to dominate high-leverage situations, the 37-year-old has yet to regain the form that made him a staple of the Dodgers’ bullpen in recent years.
Manager Dave Roberts turned to Treinen on Tuesday to protect a 4-1 lead, hoping the veteran could help lock down a crucial game in the NLDS. Instead, Treinen’s outing unraveled almost immediately. The right-hander faced just three batters, mustering only 12 pitches before being pulled without recording an out. He allowed two earned runs, which quickly shifted the game’s momentum back toward the Phillies and left Dodgers fans wondering whether his postseason role may need to be re-evaluated.
Roberts addressed Treinen’s struggles postgame, emphasizing that while the reliever has the pedigree and experience to succeed on the big stage, something has seemed off with his recent outings.
“I felt that he was getting some momentum before that last one,” Roberts said. “So I’ll check in on him. But there’s ways of how you go about an outing, successful or not successful, and how a player carries himself matters to me.
“There was definitely a different look, which — he’s got great pedigree in the biggest of spots. But, you know, I just didn’t see that edge last night that I know I’ve seen it many times over.”
Roberts’ comments suggest that Treinen’s issues may be as much mental as mechanical. Known for his fierce competitiveness and composure on the mound, Treinen’s diminished edge is as concerning as his inability to execute pitches effectively.
The Dodgers’ bullpen has endured its share of struggles this season, with injuries and inconsistency forcing Roberts to frequently shuffle roles. The emergence of rookie phenom Roki Sasaki as a reliable late-inning option has provided a temporary boost. Still, the Dodgers will need contributions from veterans like Treinen if they hope to advance deep into October.
With the series still in the balance, the Dodgers face a pivotal decision: stick with Treinen in high-leverage spots in hopes he rediscovers his old form, or adjust their bullpen structure to prioritize more dependable arms. For a team with championship aspirations, every out matters, and Treinen’s struggles have become one of the postseason’s most pressing storylines.