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SAN DIEGO — Blake Treinen’s comeback has hit a detour.
Treinen returned to the Dodgers’ bullpen a week ago after missing nearly five months with a partial tear of his shoulder capsule. But he was placed back on the Injured List before Saturday’s game, this time with right shoulder tightness.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the problem is centered in Treinen’s “lat area” and does not involve the capsule.
“I’m told it’s more on the normal side,” Roberts said of the soreness Treinen is experiencing. “But it’s preventing him from doing what he needs to do.”
Treinen characterized the pain as a byproduct of the increased intensity since returning to the majors.
The veteran reliever had not appeared in a game since Monday and tried playing catch Saturday afternoon. The pain had not gone away, Roberts said, acknowledging that there was “growing” concern.
“I just felt that having the four days off he’d be able to play catch today and be viable tonight,” Roberts said. “But that’s not the case.”
Treinen first went to the sidelines with a sore shoulder in mid-April. Diagnosed with a partial tear of his shoulder capsule, he avoided surgery by opting for a rehab program and a platelet-rich plasma injection.
He returned to make seven appearances on a minor-league injury-rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City in August, showing decreased velocity at times. After joining the Dodgers in September, he made two appearances, pitching a scoreless inning each time.
Treinen’s ability to fill a key role out of the bullpen is a big part of the Dodgers’ postseason plans. Saturday’s IL move was backdated so he will be eligible to return on Sept. 22. Treinen will “absolutely” have to show over the final two weeks of the regular season that his shoulder issues have been resolved if he is going to be a part of the Dodgers’ postseason bullpen, Roberts said.
Right-hander Andre Jackson was recalled from OKC to take Treinen’s spot on the active roster.
The continued uncertainty surrounding Treinen’s potential status for the postseason only makes the addition of another veteran reliever at the trade deadline grow in importance. Since being acquired from the Chicago Cubs for Zach McKinstry, right-hander Chris Martin has a 2.30 ERA and one save in 16 appearances while allowing just eight hits, walking none and striking out 19 in 15⅔ innings.
“He’s exceeded all of our expectations,” Roberts said. “He came over and just kind of allowed us to poke holes or add to his mix, find out what plays best. He’s just been all in, whether it’s the location, the sequencing, what pitches he decides to use, he’s bought in from the get-go. It’s just good to see his performance has reflected that. He’s a guy I obviously trust in leverage too. He’s been very very helpful for where we’re at.”
Infielder Max Muncy said the soreness in his left knee has improved since he received a cortisone injection earlier this week. He is expected back in the lineup at third base for Sunday’s game.
Meanwhile, Gavin Lux has begun participating in baseball activities. He took swings in the batting cage and ground balls on the field Saturday.
Lux has not played since Sept. 1 due to an injury in his neck/upper back area which also required a cortisone injection. But Roberts said he still is not sure when Lux will return to the lineup.
Dodgers (LHP Andrew Heaney, 2-2, 2.94 ERA) at Padres (RHP Joe Musgrove, 9-6, 3.16 ERA), Sunday, 1:10 p.m., SportsNet LA, 570 AM
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