Blake Treinen Returns at Perfect Time to Fight for Dodgers Postseason Role

The Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing back Blake Treinen from the injured list after battling shoulder fatigue that kept him out for a month.

In a corresponding move, the Dodgers are moving Will Klein to the 60-Day Injured List and putting lefty Eric Lauer on the IL with left elbow inflammation.

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Treinen has been diligently nursing himself back to health after taking time off to stop throwing and then ramping up slowly, including rehab appearances in the minors and live batting practice.

Why Blake Treinen could make the postseason roster

Now, gets the chance to return in time for a possible postseason impression after a decent run during the regular season thus far.

Jun 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Treinen against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Treinen has a 3.52 ERA with a 3.48 FIP, slightly above league average, with a total of 0.3 fWAR accrued.

This year is much better than the 2025 campaign, where he had a 5.40 ERA and 4.75 FIP over a similar number of games.

To be fair, Treinen did battle injuries last year, and in 2026, he came into the season relatively healthy. If his shoulder is fully healed, the righty has the experience and standing to get back in shape.

Why Eric Lauer is headed to the IL

Lauer has struggled over his last couple of outings. He had one bullpen outing that went poorly, giving up a run in two innings, and then he pitched only three innings but allowed seven runs.

Aug 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Eric Lauer (33) pitches in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

He moved back into the starting rotation to help cover up for Shohei Ohtani’s failed pitching return, but now the Dodgers will turn to Emmet Sheehan for the sixth spot in the rotation.

Given his recent performances, Lauer was already a possible candidate to get left off the playoff roster, but now, things really look gloomy for his odds going forward.

If he returns with renewed stuff and command later on in the month of September, he could still prove himself worthy of a playoff spot, but it will be an uphill climb given the sheer amount of pitching.

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