How a childhood injury shaped the velocity of a Major League closer
In short: At two years old, Blake Treinen underwent surgery for a cut thumb. It left him with limited range of motion—a physical deficit that would eventually impact his grip on a baseball. Yet, this pitcher rose from a 23rd-round draft pick to a multi-time World Series champion.
Blake Treinen’s path to Major League Baseball was defined by resilience and significant physical hurdles. A childhood injury to his thumb required surgery and permanently limited his range of motion, a factor that later influenced his ability to grip a baseball. His early career was marked by volatility, including a 2010 draft opportunity with the Miami Marlins that fell through after an MRI revealed shoulder inflammation. His journey also included a stint at Baker University before transferring to South Dakota State. During his time with the Jackrabbits, his fastball averaged roughly 87 miles per hour.
After being selected by the Oakland Athletics in the seventh round of the 2011 MLB draft, Treinen navigated various roles. He struggled with command in 2015, leading to a demotion to Triple-A, but credited the experience with improving his approach. He eventually found elite success as a closer for the Oakland Athletics in 2018, where he posted a 0.78 ERA and 38 saves, earning an All-Star selection. He previously played for the Washington Nationals before his successful stint in Oakland. During his time in Washington, he even reached 101.32 mph with his sinker.
Treinen's career has been a cycle of dominance and injury. He has been a key component of the Los Angeles Dodgers' success, contributing to World Series championship teams in 2020, 2024, and 2025. Despite facing shoulder surgeries and rib injuries, his ability to generate high-velocity pitches—reaching as high as 101.32 mph in 2015—has made him a vital asset in high-leverage relief situations. His resilience was tested again in spring training when he suffered cracked ribs and a bruised lung. Despite these setbacks, he remained a significant contributor to the Dodgers' roster.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Blake Treinen
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