LOS ANGELES – There’s never a dull moment for the Dodgers’ bullpen, from early-season struggles and injuries, all the way to its recent success. Then a day like Sunday comes along when all of the feelings were encompassed in a single moment.
At the same time the Dodgers announced that right-hander Blake Treinen would return to the bullpen after making just five appearances since the start of 2022, closer Evan Phillips was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain.
Phillips was injured after he “caught a spike” following a pregame workout Saturday, according to manager Dave Roberts. A scan of the injury determined it was not serious.
“Putting him on the IL, we just feel that it shouldn’t be long and the hope is that once his stint is up, he will be back and ready to go,” Roberts said. “It was just really freak and random like how (Ryan) Brasier had a really benign incident when he was running sprints and blows out the calf.”
Phillips was led the charge of the bullpen’s recent resurgence, with a 0.66 ERA, including nine consecutive scoreless outings and five of his eight saves in that stretch. Heading into Sunday’s play, the bullpen had a 1.12 ERA over its previous 12 games.
Treinen was supposed to come in and help the group reach an even higher level, but he will carry a heavier burden with Phillips out. Roberts said he wasn’t opposed to using Treinen in save situations.
A veteran of nine seasons, Treinen finally looked to be past the shoulder issues that plagued him for the past two seasons but was hit by a line drive at spring training that broke two ribs and bruised his lung.
“I felt pretty dang close (to normal) in spring before I got hit,” Treinen said. “My biggest thing is gaining a perspective of being grateful that I’m 35 and still have a chance to play and am on a team that is incredibly talented and has so much depth. I’m grateful for the opportunity here still.”
Along with Braiser and now Phillips joining the IL, the Dodgers are still operating without relievers Brusdar Graterol and Kyle Hurt.
“It’s certainly unfortunate and a little disconcerting,” Roberts said of all the bullpen injuries. “You’re certainly frustrated for the players. As far as for us, it’s kind of the next man up and it gives opportunity for someone else, obviously. Blake was going to be back anyway so this keeps another player around for an opportunity.”
EARNED CREDITS
Max Muncy was not in the starting lineup against Braves left-hander Max Fried, one day after hitting three home runs in a game for the first time in his career.
Roberts said the decision was made before Saturday’s game. Kiké Hernandez got the start at third base, while Chris Taylor was starting in left field, with a tough task ahead against Fried.
Taylor entered Sunday’s game hitting .078 in 51 at-bats with a .226 OPS.
“I’m trying to find at-bats and a runway for Chris to get back on track,” Roberts said.
While Muncy has two home runs in 16 at-bats against Fried, and is batting .313, Taylor was 4-for-19 (.211) against the Atlanta ace with a home run and eight strikeouts.
THREE AMIGOS
Roberts confirmed the rotation for the upcoming series against the Miami Marlins, with Walker Buehler making his first start since 2022 in the opener Monday. Yoshinobu Yamamoto will follow, with Gavin Stone taking the mound for the homestand finale Wednesday.
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“Health-wise I feel great now,” Buehler said. “It’s kind of getting all the rhythm back and I think big league games, the big league environment will definitely help me in terms of, hopefully, a little velocity. But more than anything, the tempo and delivery. I think it just works better when you’re kind of amped up a little bit. So I’m looking forward to that.”
Buehler had a 4.15 ERA in six rehab starts and had 21 strikeouts with nine walks in 21 2/3 innings.
ALSO
Roberts said Graterol still has not started a throwing program as he works through a shoulder injury and would be about six weeks away from a return once he does start throwing again, while on a “spring training” timetable.
UP NEXT
Marlins (RHP Roddery Munoz, 1-0, 2.45 ERA) vs. Dodgers (RHP Walker Buehler, 0-0, 0.00), Monday, 7:10 p.m. SportsNet LA, AM 570