Dodgers' 11-year veteran may be forced to retire after brutal shoulder injury before playoffs

The Los Angeles Dodgers are less than a week away from their quest for a third consecutive championship officially beginning. The team has gotten almost everyone back healthy, which is a great thing for a team with a target on its back.

However, an unfortunate injury happened for the Dodgers on Saturday night. Veteran reliever Blake Treinen went down with what is a season-ending shoulder injury.

“It's unfortunate. He was warming up and it was his shoulder, so I don't know if it was a complete blowout, but really unfortunate," Dodgers manager Roberts said. "Obviously it's an IL, his season's over. I saw him and hugged him. I'll circle back."

The 38-year-old veteran returned from the injured list at the beginning of September. He had made several appearances, just not in high-stress situations.

“With Treinen set to go on the IL, the Dodgers will call up a fresh arm for their scheduled bullpen game in Sunday's regular-season finale. Treinen spent more than two months on the injured list with right elbow inflammation earlier this season. When he returned on Sept. 2, he made seven outings but was not used in high leverage,” MLB.com’s Sonja Chen wrote.

Treinen has a history of brutal arm injuries, and this just adds to the list. Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett believes this injury could force Treinen into retirement.

“At 38 with three years of shoulder, forearm and elbow injuries culminating in today's injury, Dodgers Blake Treinen might have reached the end of his career,” Plunkett wrote.

The veteran reliever is in his 11th MLB season, and it could be his last. This is the unfortunate reality, as his body has been put through some serious injuries throughout his career. At this point in his career, there is no reason to risk another injury after finally recovering from this one.

The Dodgers lose another bullpen option for the playoffs, but what is important is that hopefully this injury may not be as bad as it seems for the organization. Treinen is on an expiring contract with L.A., which could make calling it a career a little easier.

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