Blake Michael Treinen is an American professional baseball relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball. He has previously played in MLB for the Washington Nationals and Oakland Athletics. Treinen was an All-Star in 2018 and has been part of three World Series championship teams with the Dodgers. Known for his devastating sinker that generates extreme groundball action, Treinen has established himself as one of the most effective relief pitchers in baseball over his decade-long major league career.
Blake Treinen Bio
Born on June 30, 1988, Blake Treinen grew up in Osage City, Kansas, and developed into a power pitcher despite significant early obstacles. After playing junior varsity baseball at Baker University and spending time at the University of Arkansas, Treinen transferred to South Dakota State University, where his fastball velocity increased dramatically. The Oakland Athletics selected him in the seventh round of the 2011 MLB draft, and he made his major league debut with the Washington Nationals in 2014 after being traded in a three-team deal. Treinen has since become renowned for his high-90s sinker and exceptional ability to generate double plays, leading the National League in groundballs induced during the 2016 season.
Early Life and Background
When Treinen was just two years old, he suffered an injury that would shape his baseball career in unexpected ways. He accidentally cut his thumb on glass, requiring surgery that limited his range of motion and later affected his grip on a baseball. Despite this early setback, Treinen attended Osage City High School in Kansas, where he played for the school baseball team as a freshman. He quit during his sophomore year after developing prediabetes but returned in his junior year, throwing his fastball up to 79 miles per hour. His dedication to the sport continued to grow as he worked to overcome these early challenges.
Treinen then enrolled at Baker University, playing junior varsity college baseball for the Baker Wildcats in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics during 2007. He transferred to the University of Arkansas in 2008 but was denied the opportunity to try out for the NCAA Division I Arkansas Razorbacks. During this time, he increased his weight training to improve his physical conditioning. During Christmas break, Treinen participated in a baseball training camp led by Don Czyz, a Minor League Baseball pitcher who recognized his potential and recommended him to Ritchie Price, the head coach of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits.
Path to Professional Baseball
Treinen transferred to South Dakota State University, sitting out 2009 due to NCAA transfer rules. When he was finally able to pitch for the Jackrabbits, his fastball had improved significantly, averaging 87 to 88 miles per hour. The Miami Marlins selected Treinen in the 23rd round of the 2010 MLB draft. Though he was willing to sign, an MRI revealed shoulder inflammation, and the Marlins withdrew their contract offer. In his senior year of 2011, Treinen had a 7-3 win-loss record with a 3.00 earned run average, and his fastball reached 97 miles per hour, demonstrating the dramatic improvement that would eventually earn him a professional contract.
The Oakland Athletics selected Treinen in the seventh round of the 2011 MLB draft, signing him with a $52,000 signing bonus. He called his 2012 season with the Stockton Ports of the Class A-Advanced California League “subpar” and “mediocre,” posting a 4.37 ERA in 24 games. In January 2013, the Athletics traded Treinen to the Washington Nationals in a three-team deal that also included A. J. Cole and Ian Krol going to Washington. With the Harrisburg Senators of the Double-A Eastern League, Treinen had a 3.64 ERA in 2013, establishing himself as a promising young arm in the Nationals organization.
Blake Treinen Career
Washington Nationals (2014–2017)
The Nationals invited Treinen to spring training in 2014, where he impressed coaches with his stuff. He began the season with the Syracuse Chiefs of Triple-A and was promoted to the major leagues on April 12. Treinen earned his first career win on June 29, making a spot start against the Chicago Cubs and out-dueling Jeff Samardzija in a 7-2 victory. During the 2014 season, he appeared both as a starting pitcher and reliever, with his fastball reaching 98 miles per hour. Splitting the season between the Nationals and Triple-A, Treinen had a 2.49 ERA in 15 major league games and a 3.35 ERA in 16 minor league games.
In 2015, Treinen started the season in the Nationals bullpen, with the offseason signing of Max Scherzer creating a crowded starting rotation. Manager Matt Williams began using Treinen in late-game situations, occasionally setting up for closer Drew Storen. He reached 100 mph with his sinker for the first time in his major league career in April and threw his fastest career pitch at 101.32 mph in May. Treinen remained with the Nationals for much of the year, posting a 2-5 record with three blown saves and a 3.85 ERA. He was optioned back to Triple-A on June 20 after struggling with command, and upon being recalled, he told The Washington Post that being sent down “was probably the best thing that could have happened,” allowing him to work on his approach.
Treinen showed significant improvement in 2016, posting a 2.28 ERA on the year and narrowing his platoon splits versus left-handed batters. He credited veteran teammate Matt Belisle and the team’s new pitching coach Mike Maddux for helping him improve. Treinen led the National League in groundballs induced with 65.9% on the season and ranked highly in inherited runners stranded and soft contact created. He was frequently used in situations when another Nationals pitcher had allowed baserunners and manager Dusty Baker was seeking a double play ball. Treinen made his first playoff appearance, earning the win in Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers and taking the loss in Game 4.
With the departure of free agent Mark Melancon, the Nationals named Treinen their closer to start the 2017 season. He pitched a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts for his second career save on Opening Day against the Miami Marlins. However, his performance deteriorated significantly, and on April 19, Baker removed Treinen, sporting a 7.11 ERA, from the closer role. Despite his poor results, Treinen was called one of the toughest pitchers in the NL East by reigning MVP Christian Yelich.
Oakland Athletics Breakthrough (2017–2019)
On July 16, 2017, the Nationals traded Treinen back to the Oakland Athletics along with Sheldon Neuse and Jesús Luzardo, as Washington sought to upgrade their bullpen with relievers Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson. At the time of the trade, Treinen was 0-2 with a 5.73 ERA and had blown three save opportunities. With the Athletics, he converted 13 of 16 save opportunities after the trade and played a key role in the team’s bullpen improvement.
The 2018 season marked Treinen’s breakthrough year. In the first half, he had a 5-1 record with an extraordinary 0.79 ERA and 23 saves, earning him an All-Star selection. He finished the season with a 9-2 record, 38 saves (third in the American League), and a 0.78 ERA, establishing himself as one of the premier closers in baseball. His dominance that season was a major factor in the Athletics’ playoff push. However, he struggled in the postseason, giving up three runs in the Wild Card Game, including a home run to Giancarlo Stanton.
In 2019, Treinen won his salary arbitration case, earning a $6.4 million salary for the season. On June 21, he was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder injury after giving up three runs to the Tampa Bay Rays without recording an out. He lost the closer role to Liam Hendriks during his recovery. In 2019, Treinen was 6-5 with a 4.91 ERA and 16 saves. He was left off the team’s postseason roster, and on December 2, Oakland non-tendered him, making him a free agent.
Los Angeles Dodgers Era (2020–Present)
On December 15, 2019, Treinen signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 2020 season was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, but he appeared in 27 games for the Dodgers with a 3-3 record, one save, and a 3.86 ERA. In the postseason, he pitched effectively across multiple rounds, including recording a save in Game 5 of the World Series. The Dodgers won the World Series in six games, giving Treinen his first championship ring.
In January 2021, the Dodgers re-signed Treinen to a two-year, $17.5 million contract with a team option for a third year. He threw his first 100 mph pitches since 2018 at the start of the 2021 season. Treinen pitched in 72 games with a 1.99 ERA, a 6-5 record, seven saves, and an MLB-best 32 holds. His resurgence as a setup man rather than a closer proved highly effective, and he became a crucial piece of the Dodgers’ bullpen.
Treinen had a sore shoulder early in the 2022 season that shut him down for most of the year. Despite the injury, the Dodgers signed him to a one-year, $8 million extension covering the 2023 season. He pitched in only five games, allowing one run in five innings, while spending most of the season on the injured list. On November 11, 2022, Treinen underwent right shoulder labrum and rotator cuff repair surgery, with an estimated 10-month recovery. He did not pitch in 2023, though the team picked up his $1 million option for 2024.
Treinen was expected to return for the start of the 2024 season but suffered cracked ribs and a bruised lung in spring training, beginning the season on the injured list. After a minor league rehab assignment, he was activated on May 5 and proved effective despite lower velocity. He pitched 46 and two-thirds innings in 50 games with a 7-3 record, a 1.93 ERA, and 56 strikeouts. He contributed to the Dodgers’ playoff run, earning two wins in the World Series. On December 10, 2024, Treinen signed a two-year, $22 million contract to remain with the Dodgers.
Driving Style and Strengths
Treinen is renowned for his devastating sinker that generates extreme groundball action, a pitch that made him one of the most effective relievers in baseball during his peak years with Oakland. His ability to induce double plays became a signature weapon for Nationals managers, who frequently deployed him in high-leverage situations with runners on base. His high-90s velocity, particularly his 100+ mph sinker, set him apart, though he has shown the ability to pitch effectively with reduced velocity following his shoulder surgery. His partnership with various pitching coaches has helped him refine his approach and maintain effectiveness despite physical challenges.
Notable Events and Milestones
Treinen’s 2018 All-Star selection with the Oakland Athletics represented the pinnacle of his career, showcasing his transformation from a struggling starter and failed closer into one of baseball’s most dominant relievers. His journey included losing the closer role twice, first with Washington in 2017 and again with Oakland in 2019, yet he bounced back to contribute to three World Series championships with the Dodgers. His nickname “The Witch,” coined by Rob Friedman on his Pitching Ninja social media accounts for his wicked-moving sinker, became well-known in baseball circles. Treinen’s recovery from major shoulder surgery to return as an effective major league reliever represents a significant achievement in his career longevity.
Blake Treinen Career Wins
Across his MLB career spanning from 2014 through the 2025 season, Blake Treinen has accumulated a record of 49 wins and 42 losses with 621 strikeouts and 83 saves. His career earned run average stands at 2.93, reflecting his sustained effectiveness as both a starter early in his career and as a high-leverage reliever. The three World Series championships he has won with the Dodgers represent the culmination of his professional achievements, with his postseason experience including multiple NLDS, NLCS, and World Series appearances.
Los Angeles Dodgers Highlights
With the Dodgers, Treinen has been part of three World Series championship teams in 2020, 2024, and 2025, contributing both in the regular season and throughout the playoffs. His 2021 season with a 1.99 ERA in 72 games demonstrated his ability to dominate as a setup man, while his 2024 return from injury showed his resilience. The Dodgers’ investment in him through multiple contract extensions reflects the organization’s confidence in his ability to contribute to championship pursuits.
Oakland Athletics Highlights
Treinen’s 2018 season with Oakland represents his most individually decorated year, earning All-Star honors while leading the American League in saves at certain points during the season. His 9-2 record and 0.78 ERA that year established him as an elite closer. The trade that brought him back to Oakland in 2017 proved transformative for both his career and the Athletics’ bullpen.
Blake Treinen Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Treinen and his wife Kati have four children and reside in Walla Walla, Washington. Kati serves as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Walla Walla Community College and played college basketball at Walla Walla Community College and Boise State University. From 2015 to 2020, Treinen served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Whitman College Blues baseball team in Walla Walla, staying connected to his local community while pursuing his professional career.
Treinen is Roman Catholic and has been open about his faith. He has been accompanied on baseball journeys by his bulldog Maxx, who traveled with him from Walla Walla to spring training in Florida in 2016. His nickname “The Witch” originated from Rob Friedman’s Pitching Ninja social media accounts for his fast sinker with movement, though Treinen reportedly disliked the moniker.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season presented significant challenges for Treinen after his strong 2024 comeback. He earned his first loss and blown save of the season on April 6, and on April 19, he returned to the injured list due to forearm tightness. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on May 1, further limiting his availability. Treinen rejoined the Dodgers on July 27 but struggled upon his return, allowing one run in two-thirds of an inning the following day.
Treinen’s difficulties continued throughout the remainder of the season. In September, he earned the loss in five consecutive Dodgers losses, a feat not accomplished in the majors since at least 1912. This difficult stretch began on September 6 when he relieved Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who had pitched eight and two-thirds no-hit innings. He finished the season with a 2-7 record and 5.40 ERA in 26 and two-thirds innings over 32 games. His struggles extended into the postseason, as he allowed runs in the 2025 NLDS, NLCS, and World Series appearances. Despite the challenging season, Treinen remains under contract with the Dodgers through the 2025 season as he works to regain his form.