The Dodgers didn’t have a number of relievers in the postseason.
The back-to-back World Series champions were swept in the National League Championship Series by Brewers, missing key bullpen staples such as Blake Treinen, Brusdar Graterol, Ben Casparius, Jack Dreyer, and Will Klein.
Klein, who emerged as a World Series hero for the Dodgers in 2025, underwent successful offseason surgery and is expected to be ready for spring training. The reliever shared the news on his Instagram Stories.
Klein sported a 3.67 ERA with 49 strikeouts across 41.2 innings pitched in 2026. The right-hander landed on the injured list in August with right elbow discomfort and missed the remainder of the season because of the injury.
In 2025, Klein became an unlikely hero for the Dodgers in World Series Game 3, the infamous 18-inning thrilled that lasted more than six hours. Klein tossed four scoreless innings, entering in the 15th frame and finishing the game as the Dodgers’ final reliever in the bullpen.
His shutout performance helped the Dodgers defeat the Blue Jays 6-5 in a wild Game 3.
The Dodgers acquired Klein in a minor league trade with the Mariners last June. The reliever is set to be ready for the 2027 season as the Dodgers look to bounce back after an early postseason exit this year.
