Blake Treinen's Height: Dodgers Pitcher Stats & Facts

Blake Treinen, a prominent relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, stands at an impressive height that contributes to his effectiveness on the mound. Height is often an advantage in baseball, allowing pitchers to generate more downward force and velocity on their pitches. So, how tall is Blake Treinen? He is 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) tall.

Blake Treinen: Height and Its Impact on His Pitching

The height of a pitcher can significantly influence their pitching style and effectiveness. For Blake Treinen, standing at 6 feet 5 inches provides several advantages:

• Improved Leverage: Taller pitchers like Treinen have better leverage, allowing them to generate more downward plane on their pitches. This makes it harder for hitters to elevate the ball, leading to more ground balls and fewer home runs.
• Increased Velocity: Height can contribute to a longer stride and arm extension, which can increase the velocity of a pitch. While not the sole factor, it certainly helps in generating the kind of heat that Treinen is known for.
• Better Angle: A taller pitcher releases the ball from a higher point, creating a steeper angle for the hitter to contend with. This can make the pitch appear to drop more sharply as it approaches the plate, making it more difficult to hit squarely.

Blake Treinen's height is just one component of his successful career. His talent, hard work, and strategic approach to pitching are equally crucial. However, his physical stature undoubtedly provides him with a competitive edge that he has leveraged effectively throughout his career.

Blake Treinen: Early Life and Career Beginnings

Blake Treinen was not an overnight sensation. His journey to becoming a key player for the Los Angeles Dodgers is marked by dedication, perseverance, and continuous improvement. Let’s dive into his early life and career beginnings to understand the foundation upon which his MLB success was built.

High School and College Years

Born on June 30, 1988, in Wichita, Kansas, Blake attended Osage City High School, where he began to showcase his pitching talents. Although he wasn't heavily scouted, his potential was evident. He then attended Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, where he played college baseball. At Baker, Treinen honed his skills and gained the attention of scouts with his developing fastball and work ethic. He later transferred to South Dakota State University, where he continued to refine his pitching mechanics and command.

Draft and Minor League Career

Blake Treinen's professional baseball journey began when he was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 23rd round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft. While being a 23rd-round pick might not scream future All-Star, Treinen was determined to prove his worth. He started his career in the Marlins' minor league system, playing for teams like the Jamestown Jammers and Greensboro Grasshoppers. During his time in the minors, he focused on developing his signature sinker, a pitch that would later become a key weapon in his arsenal.

Trade to the Nationals

In 2013, Treinen's career took a significant turn when he was traded to the Washington Nationals. This move provided him with an opportunity to reach the major leagues. He made his MLB debut with the Nationals in 2014. Although he experienced some ups and downs, he showed flashes of brilliance and began to establish himself as a reliable arm in the Nationals' bullpen. His ability to induce ground balls made him a valuable asset, and he continued to work on his consistency and control.

Blake Treinen's early life and career beginnings were characterized by hard work and determination. From his days in high school and college to his climb through the minor leagues, he demonstrated a relentless pursuit of improvement. His trade to the Nationals marked a crucial turning point, setting the stage for his emergence as a prominent relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. These formative years laid the groundwork for the success he would later achieve with the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Blake Treinen: Rise to Prominence with the Oakland Athletics

Blake Treinen's career trajectory took a significant leap forward when he joined the Oakland Athletics. It was during his time in Oakland that he truly transformed into one of the most dominant relief pitchers in baseball. His rise to prominence with the Athletics is a testament to his hard work, adaptability, and the coaching staff's ability to unlock his full potential.

Trade to Oakland and Initial Adjustments

In 2017, Blake Treinen was traded to the Oakland Athletics as part of a package deal. Initially, there were questions about how he would fit into the A's bullpen. However, it quickly became apparent that Oakland was the perfect environment for him to thrive. The Athletics' coaching staff recognized his potential and worked with him to refine his mechanics and pitch selection.

Breakout Season in 2018

The 2018 season was a watershed moment for Treinen. He emerged as one of the premier closers in the American League, posting an astonishing 0.78 ERA over 80.1 innings. During this season, he recorded 38 saves, showcasing his ability to handle high-pressure situations with remarkable composure. Opposing hitters struggled to make solid contact against him, as his sinker and slider combination proved to be virtually unhittable. He was selected to the All-Star team for the first time in his career, solidifying his status as an elite reliever.

Key Factors Behind His Success

Several factors contributed to Treinen's success with the Oakland Athletics:

• Refined Mechanics: The Athletics' coaching staff helped him fine-tune his pitching mechanics, leading to improved command and consistency.
• Dominant Sinker: Treinen's sinker became his signature pitch, inducing countless ground balls and weak contact. Its movement and velocity made it incredibly difficult for hitters to barrel up.
• Strategic Pitching: He developed a better understanding of how to sequence his pitches and exploit hitters' weaknesses. His ability to mix his sinker with a sharp slider kept hitters off balance and guessing.
• Confidence and Mentality: The Athletics instilled a sense of confidence in Treinen, allowing him to pitch with conviction and assertiveness. He embraced the closer role and thrived under pressure.

Blake Treinen's time with the Oakland Athletics was a transformative period in his career. He went from being a solid reliever to one of the most dominant closers in the game. His breakout season in 2018 was a testament to his hard work, the coaching staff's guidance, and his ability to adapt and refine his skills. This period marked a turning point, setting the stage for his eventual move to the Los Angeles Dodgers and continued success in Major League Baseball.

Blake Treinen: Joining the Los Angeles Dodgers

After his successful stint with the Oakland Athletics, Blake Treinen joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, further solidifying his reputation as one of the premier relief pitchers in Major League Baseball. His move to the Dodgers brought new opportunities and challenges, and he continued to excel in a high-pressure environment.

Signing with the Dodgers

In December 2019, Blake Treinen signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This move was seen as a strategic addition to an already strong bullpen. The Dodgers were looking to bolster their relief corps with a proven closer, and Treinen fit the bill perfectly. His track record of inducing ground balls and handling high-leverage situations made him an attractive option for the team.

Role in the Dodgers' Bullpen

Treinen quickly became an integral part of the Dodgers' bullpen, often being called upon in critical late-game situations. While he wasn't always the designated closer, he consistently delivered strong performances and played a key role in the team's success. His ability to pitch multiple innings and maintain his effectiveness made him a valuable asset for manager Dave Roberts.

2020 World Series Championship

One of the highlights of Treinen's time with the Dodgers was his contribution to the team's 2020 World Series championship. He pitched in multiple games during the postseason, showcasing his composure and effectiveness under pressure. His performance in the World Series helped the Dodgers secure their first title since 1988, cementing his place in franchise history.

Continued Success and Contributions

Even beyond the World Series victory, Treinen continued to be a reliable and effective pitcher for the Dodgers. He consistently posted strong numbers and played a crucial role in the team's bullpen. His ability to adapt to different roles and situations made him a valuable asset, and he remained a key component of the Dodgers' pitching staff.

Blake Treinen's move to the Los Angeles Dodgers marked another chapter in his successful career. He seamlessly integrated into the team's bullpen and played a crucial role in their 2020 World Series championship. His continued success and contributions have solidified his reputation as one of the premier relief pitchers in the game, and he remains a valuable asset for the Dodgers.

Blake Treinen: Pitching Style and Key Stats

Blake Treinen has carved out a successful career in Major League Baseball through his unique pitching style and impressive statistics. Let's delve into what makes him so effective on the mound, examining his pitch repertoire and career numbers.

Pitching Style

Blake Treinen is primarily known for his sinker, a pitch that has become his signature weapon. His sinker is characterized by its significant downward movement, which induces a high percentage of ground balls. This pitch is thrown with considerable velocity, often reaching the mid-to-upper 90s mph, making it difficult for hitters to elevate the ball.

In addition to his sinker, Treinen also throws a slider and a cutter. His slider is a sharp, late-breaking pitch that he uses to keep hitters off balance. The cutter is a fastball variant with slight horizontal movement, which he uses to disrupt hitters' timing and create weak contact. By effectively mixing these pitches, Treinen keeps hitters guessing and maximizes his chances of success.

Key Statistics

Throughout his MLB career, Blake Treinen has accumulated impressive statistics that underscore his effectiveness as a relief pitcher:

• ERA (Earned Run Average): Treinen consistently maintains a low ERA, reflecting his ability to prevent runs from scoring. His career ERA is a testament to his consistency and effectiveness on the mound.
• WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched): His WHIP is typically low, indicating that he limits the number of baserunners allowed per inning. This demonstrates his ability to control the strike zone and prevent hitters from getting on base.
• Strikeout Rate: While not primarily a strikeout pitcher, Treinen has a solid strikeout rate, showcasing his ability to miss bats when needed. His strikeout rate complements his ground ball tendencies, making him a versatile pitcher.
• Ground Ball Rate: One of Treinen's defining characteristics is his high ground ball rate. This statistic highlights his ability to induce weak contact and prevent home runs, making him an invaluable asset in high-leverage situations.

Blake Treinen's pitching style and key stats paint a picture of a highly effective relief pitcher. His dominant sinker, combined with his slider and cutter, allows him to keep hitters off balance and induce weak contact. His impressive ERA, WHIP, and ground ball rate underscore his ability to prevent runs and control the game. These attributes have made him a valuable asset to every team he has played for, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier relief pitchers in Major League Baseball.

Conclusion

So, to recap, Blake Treinen stands tall at 6 feet 5 inches, a height that undoubtedly contributes to his effectiveness on the mound. From his early days to his current role with the Dodgers, Treinen has proven himself to be a dominant force in baseball. Keep an eye on this talented pitcher as he continues to make his mark on the sport!