Blake Treinen: MLB Relief Pitcher Career Highlights
Blake Michael Treinen was born on June 30, 1988, in Wichita, Kansas. He is a top relief pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). Treinen has played for the Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
In 2018, he was named an MLB All-Star. He won two World Series championships with the Dodgers in 2020 and 2024. This has solidified his status as a leading MLB reliever.
Early Life and Amateur Baseball Journey
Blake Treinen grew up in Osage City, Kansas. He faced challenges with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and borderline Type 2 Diabetes. But he changed his diet and exercise, losing weight and growing six inches in his junior year.
This transformation helped him show his baseball skills.
High School Career at Osage City
At Osage City High School, Treinen threw a no-hitter in his freshman year. He had early success but faced challenges finding playing time on the junior varsity team at Baker University.
College Baseball Development
Treinen wanted to play baseball, so he moved to the University of Arkansas. He studied landscape architecture and tried out for the team. Though he was initially rejected, he found success at South Dakota State University through a pitching camp.
South Dakota State Breakthrough
At South Dakota State, Treinen's fastball hit 97 mph in his senior year. Scouts noticed, and he was drafted by the Miami Marlins in 2010. But, shoulder inflammation led the Marlins to rescind their offer.
Undeterred, Treinen was picked by the Oakland Athletics in 2011. This started his professional career, leading him to become a top oakland athletics pitcher with a high spin rate.
| Career Highlights | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Threw a no-hitter in high school | 7-3 record, 3.00 ERA in senior year of college |
| Drafted by the Miami Marlins in 2010 | $52,000 signing bonus with Oakland Athletics |
| Drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 2011 | Fastball velocity reached 97 mph in senior year |
https://youtube.com/watch?v=hLjPOrtkRG4
Professional Baseball Draft and Minor League Beginning
Blake Treinen's baseball career started when the Oakland Athletics picked him in the seventh round of the 2011 MLB draft. He signed with the A's for a $52,000 bonus, ready to prove himself in the minor leagues.
In 2012, Treinen pitched for the Stockton Ports in the Class A-Advanced California League. He described his season as "subpar" and "mediocre," with a 4.37 ERA in 24 games.
Treinen's early minor league career saw ups and downs. He struggled to adjust to professional baseball and fine-tune his skills. His fastball, once at 97 mph in college, dropped to 88-92 mph in his first full minor league season.
But Treinen's determination and hard work never faltered. He kept working on his skills and looking for chances to show his talent. His hard work and dedication would soon pay off as he climbed the ranks in the Oakland Athletics' minor league system.
Rise Through the Washington Nationals System
Blake Treinen's path to becoming a top MLB relief pitcher started with a trade to the Washington Nationals in 2013. He made his major league debut on April 12, 2014. In his first season, he showed great promise, with a 2.49 ERA in 15 games. He played both as a starter and reliever.
In 2015, Treinen became a full-time relief pitcher. He hit 100 mph with his sinker pitch. By 2017, he was named the Nationals' closer. But, he faced challenges in that role and was traded to the Oakland Athletics later that year.
Major League Debut Season
Treinen's first season in the MLB was versatile. He played both as a starter and reliever. Despite the changing roles, he had a 2.49 ERA in 15 games. This showed his ability to perform at the highest level.
Evolution as a Relief Pitcher
In 2015, Treinen dedicated himself to the bullpen. He focused on his nasty stuff, especially his sinker, which reached 100 mph. This increased velocity and control made him a key player in the Nationals' bullpen.
Closing Role Experience
In 2017, Treinen became the Nationals' closer. Though he faced challenges, the experience was valuable. The trade to Oakland that year was a turning point. It set the stage for his elite strikeout rate and future success.
Oakland Athletics All-Star Peak
Blake Treinen returned to the oakland athletics pitcher in July 2017. He quickly became the team's closer. He saved 13 out of 16 games after joining the team.
In 2018, Treinen's performance soared. He went 9-2 with 38 saves and a 0.78 ERA. This ERA was the lowest in MLB history for any pitcher with at least 80 innings.
His outstanding dominant reliever skills earned him his first All-Star selection. He also set a record by striking out 100 batters in 80.1 innings. This was the first time a pitcher achieved 30+ saves, 100+ strikeouts, and a sub-1.00 ERA in one season.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| ERA | 0.78 |
| Saves | 38 |
| Strikeouts | 100 |
| FIP | 1.82 |
| xwOBA | 0.237 |
Treinen's 2018 season was not just luck. It showed his true pitching talent and control. His FIP of 1.82 was second-best in the majors for pitchers with at least 40 innings. His .237 xwOBA was also the second-lowest in the league.
These advanced metrics prove Treinen's ERA was well-deserved. His performance on the mound was truly dominant.
Blake Treinen's Dominant 2018 Campaign
In 2018, Blake Treinen shined as a relief pitcher for the Oakland Athletics. He became the first to save 30 games, have an ERA under 1.00, and strike out 100 batters in one season. His 0.78 ERA was the lowest among all major league pitchers with at least 80 innings since the earned run became an official stat.
Record-Breaking Performance Stats
Treinen's 2018 was historic. He saved 39 games, struck out 100 batters, and had an ERA below 1.00. This was a first in MLB history. His 0.78 ERA was the best among all major league relievers that year, ranking fifth-lowest among pitchers with at least 40 innings pitched. This earned him a mlb all-star spot.
All-Star Recognition
Treinen's 2018 season was filled with accolades. He was named the Major League Relief Pitcher of the Year by Baseball Digest and made the Baseball America All-Star Team. He also finished sixth in the American League Cy Young voting and 15th in the MVP voting. Treinen's filthy pitches and control made him a key player in the Athletics' bullpen that year.
Signature Pitching Arsenal and Style
Blake Treinen stands out as a relief pitcher thanks to his top-notch pitching skills and unique style. His main pitch is a high-velocity sinker, which can hit up to 100 mph. This sinker moves a lot, helping him get ground balls and weak hits.
He also uses a slider and a cutter. His slider is especially tough for hitters, thanks to its high spin rate. This "nasty stuff" helps Treinen strike out batters and stop opposing teams.
| Pitch Type | Velocity (mph) | Spin Rate (rpm) | Whiff Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sinker | 97.8 | 2,331 | 29.2% |
| Slider | 88.2 | 2,580 | 47.5% |
| Cutter | 93.4 | 2,421 | 22.1% |
Treinen's skill in controlling his pitches and mixing speeds and movements is key to his success. His aggressive mound presence and elite pitches make him a challenge for hitters. He's a valuable asset in any bullpen.
Los Angeles Dodgers World Series Success
Blake Treinen joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2019. As a los angeles dodgers reliever, he played a key role in their 2020 World Series win. He played in 27 regular-season games and 11 postseason games.
Treinen was also part of the Dodgers' 2024 World Series-winning team. This shows his value as a reliable and versatile relief pitcher in both championship wins.
2020 Championship Season
The 2020 season was a highlight for the Dodgers. They won their first full-season title since 1988 under manager Dave Roberts. Despite injuries, the Dodgers' bullpen, with Treinen, played a crucial role in the playoffs.
Playoff Performance Highlights
- In the division series against the San Diego Padres, Treinen threw 3⅔ scoreless innings over three games. He had a 39-pitch, five-out save in Game 1.
- The Dodgers' bullpen kept the scoreless streak alive for 24 innings in the playoffs. Treinen was a big part of this.
- Treinen's first-pitch-strike rate was 65.8%, higher than his career average of 60.9%. This shows his command and control.
- He held opponents to a .120 average with 37 strikeouts in at-bats that ended with his 84-mph sweeper pitch. This shows his skill in neutralizing hitters.
Treinen's performance in the Dodgers' 2020 and 2024 world series champion campaigns made him a reliable and dominant relief pitcher. His key contributions in high-pressure situations helped the Dodgers win their first full-season title in over three decades.
Career Statistics and Achievements
Blake Treinen has had an amazing career as a relief pitcher. By the 2024 season, he had a 43-34 win-loss record and a 2.78 ERA. He has struck out 560 batters in 549.2 innings, showing his incredible skill.
He's especially good against right-handed batters, with a .205 batting average. In the postseason, Treinen has a 7-3 record and a 2.68 ERA. This shows his ability to perform under pressure.
Treinen's career is filled with achievements. He was an All-Star in 2018 and helped two World Series teams win. His success makes him one of the top relief pitchers in baseball today.
| Career Stats | Totals |
|---|---|
| Win-Loss Record | 43-34 |
| Earned Run Average (ERA) | 2.78 |
| Innings Pitched | 549.2 |
| Strikeouts | 560 |
| Saves | 80 |
| Postseason Win-Loss | 7-3 |
| Postseason ERA | 2.68 |
| Postseason Strikeouts | 20 |
Impact as an Elite MLB Reliever
Blake Treinen has made a big mark on baseball. He's known for his powerful pitches and unique mix of them. His 2018 season was one of the best, with a 0.78 ERA and 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings.
Notable Career Milestones
Treinen has played many roles in the bullpen, from setup man to closer. He's been a key player for several teams. In 2018, he saved 38 games and was named to the American League All-Star team.
Legacy in Modern Baseball
Blake Treinen has faced challenges like injuries and a drop in performance. Yet, he keeps throwing his 94-95 mph sinker. His comeback shows his strength and will, making him a top relief pitcher today. His stats, like a 1.93 ERA in a recent season, show his impact on the game.
FAQ
Who is Blake Treinen?
Blake Michael Treinen is a professional baseball pitcher. He has played for the Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He was an All-Star in 2018 and won two World Series championships with the Dodgers in 2020 and 2024.
Where did Blake Treinen grow up and develop as a baseball player?
Treinen grew up in Osage City, Kansas. He played baseball at Osage City High School. He then attended Baker University, the University of Arkansas, and South Dakota State University, where his fastball velocity increased significantly.
How did Blake Treinen get drafted and make his MLB debut?
The Oakland Athletics drafted Treinen in the seventh round of the 2011 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut on April 12, 2014, with the Washington Nationals. He played as both a starter and reliever in his first season.
What were Blake Treinen's key achievements with the Oakland Athletics?
After returning to Oakland in 2017, Treinen became the Athletics' closer. In 2018, he had a standout season. He posted a 9-2 record with 38 saves and a 0.78 ERA. This earned him his first All-Star selection and the Major League Relief Pitcher of the Year award.
What makes Blake Treinen's pitching arsenal and style unique?
Treinen is known for his high-velocity sinker, which can reach 100 mph. He also uses a slider and a cutter. These pitches help him generate ground balls and induce weak contact, making him a top reliever.
What are Blake Treinen's career accomplishments?
Treinen has impressive stats, including a 43-34 win-loss record and a 2.78 ERA. He has 560 strikeouts and 80 saves (as of 2024). He's been especially effective against right-handed batters and has won two World Series championships with the Dodgers.
How has Blake Treinen impacted modern baseball?
Treinen's 2018 season was one of the best in MLB history. His versatility and unique pitch mix have made him a valuable asset. His high-velocity sinker has dominated hitters, helping his teams succeed.
