The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a significant roster move, activating veteran reliever Blake Treinen while optioning rookie Ben Casparius ahead of their game against the Seattle Mariners.
Treinen returns after spending 14 games on the injured list due to hip discomfort. Prior to his injury, he had pitched in 34 games this season, achieving a record of 5-3 with one save and a 2.67 ERA. He also struck out 38 batters over 30.1 innings, holding opponents to a .212 batting average.
The Dodgers activated RHP Blake Treinen and optioned RHP Ben Casparius.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 22, 2024
At 36 years old, Treinen has a decade of major league experience, having played for the Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, and the Dodgers.
Throughout his career, he has maintained a 2.85 ERA across 483 games and recorded 80 saves with 542 strikeouts.
Treinen's return is particularly notable as he has faced multiple injuries over the past two seasons, including shoulder issues and a recent setback during spring training that resulted in fractured ribs and a bruised lung.
"God's got a plan, though," Treinen said earlier this season. "As you move along [through your career], you don't ride the wave as long. You just relax and let things be as they will. If God wants me to play baseball, I'll keep playing baseball and doors will continue to open. If I'm supposed to move on, then doors will close."
In contrast, Casparius, who was called up just a few days ago, did not get a chance to pitch in a game.
He had a solid season in the minors, starting with a 3.32 ERA at Double-A Tulsa before moving up to Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he posted a 3.54 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 56 innings.
"I wasn't really too concerned about the stuff," Roberts said of Treinen.
"For me, it was hoping he could trust his stuff, whatever he had, in the strike zone; betting on the stuff to play and get major league hitters out," Roberts added. "And that's what I'm seeing."
This roster adjustment reflects the Dodgers' ongoing strategy to balance experience and youth as they head into the final stretch of the season.
