Nationals right-handed reliever Blake Treinen was just what the doctor ordered for manager Matt Williams on Friday. When starter Doug Fister was lifted after pitching just two innings against the Padres, Treinen came on and gave the Nationals threw 57 pitches over four innings, allowing three hits (including a solo home run) and struck out six along the way.
Treinen hadn't pitched in three days, but he was happy just to play his role.
“Every pitcher on the staff would take pride in doing their job and my job [Thursday] was to go out and get as many innings as we could,” he said, per The Washington Post. “Am I glad that we’re a couple arms fresher now? Absolutely. But it still sucks losing.”
The bullpen had been taxed pretty heavily over the last few days, so Trienen's effort allowed Williams to rest his tired arms.
“We still have two lefties that will be fresh [Friday] and all of the right-handers with the exception of Blake so I think we’re okay,” Williams said.