Treinen Says Dodgers Ignore Magic Number With Division Title in Reach

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Treinen Says Dodgers Ignore Magic Number With Division Title in Reach

Eduardo Solano · Roundtable Sports

Thu, Sep 17, 2026 ·

3 min read

The magic number doesn't matter

After the loss, Treinen provided some perspective on how closely Dodgers players follow magic numbers and the different milestones associated with winning a division title.

The veteran reliever told SportsNet LA that he had no idea what the Dodgers' magic number was until a reporter mentioned it. He explained that the team is concentrating on becoming the best possible version of itself rather than following the changing number.

Treinen also dismissed the possibility that the situation was creating additional pressure or contributing to any inconsistency. He said the magic number had not occupied his thoughts and that he had not noticed it affecting his teammates.

The right-hander compared the current situation with previous seasons when the division remained undecided until late in the schedule. He specifically recalled the 2024 race against the Padres, when the Dodgers had reason to wonder whether everything would come together in time for them to win the division.

Treinen believes this season feels different because Los Angeles has worked hard to establish a strong position. He expects the division championship to arrive when it arrives. In the meantime, the Dodgers are attempting to refine every aspect of their game, including his own performance.

"I honestly have zero idea where our magic number is until you said that," Treinen said. "I haven't had a chance to follow it. I know we're really focused on getting the best version of ourselves right now. So, to highlight your assumption of whether we're struggling with back and forth or is it on our minds, I don't think it's on our minds. I haven't seen it.

"There's been years in the past where it's come down to the wire, I think, in '24 against the Padres, you start wondering, is this going to click, and we're going to have an opportunity to win a division?" Treinen continued.

"Right now, I think we're just focused on being the best version of ourselves," he said. "We've worked really hard to be in a good position to win the division. That'll come when it comes, and I think we're just doing our best to fine-tune as much as we can, myself included."

Treinen could be minimizing the significance of the race because he is a clubhouse veteran who wants to establish the proper example for younger teammates. The Dodgers could also be avoiding looking ahead because they have a morning game Thursday to complete the Cincinnati series.

Either way, Los Angeles will receive another opportunity to clinch the National League West on Thursday. Afterward, its attention can shift toward the next magic number, which is seven. That represents the number of victories needed to secure a bye through the Wild Card round.

Treinen's value

Treinen's perspective reflects the composure expected from an experienced reliever. Bullpen pitchers must move beyond disappointing results quickly because another demanding situation can arrive the following day.

His willingness to focus on execution instead of external milestones can help stabilize the clubhouse. Treinen understands that clinching celebrations follow consistent preparation, not scoreboard watching.

He also accepts personal responsibility by including himself among those who must continue improving. That accountability, calmness and postseason experience make his voice valuable as the Dodgers prepare for October .