Blake Trainen was the Los Angeles ‘ most reliable rescuer last season, and came at his biggest moment towards a World Series victory.
After re-ups this offseason and LA on a two-year, $22 million contract, Trainen has survived the 37-year-old’s ordeal.
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Trainen missed it for more than three months due to a forearm injury. When he was healthy, he had one of the worst seasons of his 11-year career, earning a 4.70 ERA in 27 appearances.
September was particularly unfriendly for Trainen as he lost four of his last five appearances. He was a pitcher who lost both Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shoe Hei Ohtani’s unhitted bids over the past two weeks.
Trainen was speechless after a recent performance Tuesday night. He gave up a three-run home run in the nine innings of a 9-6 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.
“Sometimes there’s no reason to explain that,” Trainen said. “I know it’s frustrating for fans. I mean, we can promise you from the bottom of my heart that we work hardest every night. There’s nothing we haven’t done.
“Literally, sometimes things aren’t working. Because of our team, our organization, our ownership, I’m better in those spots. I know it’s at the heart of my teammates. Sometimes you just don’t have the answer.
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The could have easily escaped with National League West in a similar struggle by the San Diego Padres. Instead, they continue to fight in the hopes of kicking out the Division victory.
The bullpen struggle also removed hopes that the team would secure a goodbye for the first round, so they forced them to play in three wildcard series, turning off postseason play.
Trainen and the rest of the bullpen were dominant performances over the next six weeks, allowing them to quickly wipe out the sour taste of the disappointing regular season. However, at this point it is difficult for the group to have much confidence in correcting the ship.
Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Immagn Images
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