The Los Angeles Dodgers have had plenty of heroes over their past two runs to World Series championships, yet the most unlikely has to be right-hander Will Klein.
During Game 3 of the 2025 Fall Classic, Klein came in and delivered four scoreless innings, allowing Los Angeles to walk it off in the bottom of the 18th inning.
That earned Klein a spot on the active roster heading into the 2026 season, and in the first half he was one of the best arms in the bullpen.
However, after the All-Star break Klein struggled mightily, allowing nine runs across 4 1/3 innings of work and raising his season ERA to 3.67. Shortly after, Los Angeles placed him on the 15-day injured list on August 1 due to right elbow discomfort and loose bodies.
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Klein attempted to rest rather than undergo immediate surgery and has been in the midst of a throwing progression.
However, he has not made enough progress for Los Angeles to feel confident he can return in September. As a result, ahead of Wednesday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Dodgers decided to move him to the 60-day injured list, effectively ending his regular season.
According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, he still remains an option in October but it ultimately depends on his health between now and then.
Klein’s transfer to the 60-day injured list does clear space for right-hander Blake Treinen to return, who has not pitched since June.
Treinen has plenty of October experience and should be the immediate replacement for Klein in the bullpen.
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