The 2016 season for the Los Angeles Dodgers has been one about adversity and resolve due to an endless string of injuries. Despite the players lost throughout the year, the Dodgers find themselves in the thick of a pennant race.
Entering play Sunday, the Dodgers’ magic number to clinch a fourth consecutive National League West division title is 10. After concluding their 10-game road trip on Sunday they’ll square off in of the first of two remaining regular-season series with the San Francisco Giants.
After weeks and months without several key contributors, Los Angeles appears to be rounding into collective better health. Andre Ethier and Clayton Kershaw have come off the 60-day disabled list, and Brett Anderson and Brandon McCarthy may soon be reinstated.
However, there may be reason for concern with Kenley Jansen. According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, the Dodgers’ closer wore a brace on his right wrist after Friday’s game and is suffering from stiffness:
“I’m not sitting. Just anti-inflammatories,” said Jansen, who dismissed the discomfort as bothersome, but not serious.
He said the wrist is stiff when he begins to throw, loosens up in the bullpen, then stiffens up five minutes after the game.
Jansen converted back-to-back saves since news of his wrist issue surfaced. He has 46 saves on the season, which is a career high.
Jansen has blown a career-high six saves this season, which may be related to the stiff wrist. He otherwise has been impressive in 2016 as free agency looms this offseason.
The 28-year-old broke the Dodgers record for most saves in franchise history, and has pitched to a 1.81 ERA, 1.32 FIP and 0.65 WHIP over 67 games. He also has an impressive 97 strikeouts to just nine walks.
