Dave Roberts Gives Message of Confidence to Struggling Reliever

At full strength, the Los Angeles Dodgers have all the makings of being the first team in nearly three decades to repeat as World Series champions. Someone not at full strength, though, is relief pitcher Blake Treinen.

Despite his struggles, Treinen has the full support of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

“My trust in him is unwavering,” Roberts said of Treinen via a post on X from Greg Beacham of The Associated Press.

It’s been a rough go of late for Treinen, as he’s received the loss in five of his last seven relief appearances. He’s been unusually bad, as his 5.55 ERA this season is nearly double his career 2.86 ERA. Just a season removed from a career-best 1.86 ERA, Treinen has now become a liability in the Dodgers’ bullpen.

Roberts seemed adamant that his confidence in Treinen has not wavered, although that may change with several more rough outings — especially considering postseason baseball is right around the corner and an unreliable reliever such as Treinen could be an issue.

If there is a silver lining for LA, it would be that last postseason was one of the best of Treinen’s career. He pitched to a 2.19 ERA with 18 strikeouts across nine appearances and 12 1/2 innings. It could arguably be considered the best playoff performance of his career.

Los Angeles does not have the luxury of resting players, as it has not yet clinched anything except a postseason appearance. The National League West is up for grabs, as is playoff seeding.

Treinen will either need to be given a week off to figure out some things or he will have to pitch extremely well when he’s called on. If not, he may very well find his way off the postseason roster for the reigning World Series champions.

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