Dodgers closer Blake Treinen had a whirlwind 72 hours as his personal and professional lives collided. After the Dodgers avoided elimination in Game 4 of the National League Division Series, Treinen flew back to Washington to be present for the birth of his fourth child with wife Kati. Treinen expressed gratitude towards the Dodgers for making it possible for him to be there for such an important moment in his family’s life. He emphasized that his wife should never have to choose between him playing baseball and being present for their child’s birth.
Treinen acknowledged that the timing worked out perfectly, allowing him to witness the birth and then return in time to play in a game. He described it as a “total Godsend” and one of only a handful of days that are better than others, including his wedding day, World Series victories, and personal achievements.
The couple had anticipated this situation when they found out about the pregnancy earlier this year. They hoped that their baby would arrive during Los Angeles’ bye week before facing off against the Padres.
Teammate Daniel Hudson could relate to Treinen’s experience since he went through something similar during the 2019 postseason when he played for the Nationals. Hudson missed Game 1 of the NLCS after flying home following an NLDS game to be with his wife during their third daughter’s birth.
Treinen returned to join his teammates after spending time with his family. Despite feeling like a “bad husband” leaving them at home, he knew they were well taken care of by trusted individuals while he focused on baseball.
When Treinen took the mound again, he seemed energized by recent events as evidenced by an increase in velocity during his nine-pitch outing against pinch-hitter Donovan Solano, Luis Arraez, and Fernando Tatis Jr., ultimately securing victory for the Dodgers and sending them into NLCS.
While playing, Treinen’s family watched proudly from home as they always do. His children enthusiastically cheer him on from afar with shouts like “Strike them out!” even if he didn’t manage any strikeouts on that particular day.