Kenley Jansen picked up two more saves during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ recent two-game series against the San Diego Padres. He also retired Hunter Renfroe twice after the Padres outfielder hit a walk-off grand slam off Jansen the previous weekend.
While Jansen’s appearances showed up well in the box score, they did not seem easy. Jansen threw 41 pitches over the combined two innings of work, allowing a runner to reach scoring position in both games.
Jansen also took time in between several of those pitches to shake off signs from catchers Austin Barnes and Russell Martin until they could agree on a pitch. After Wednesday’s game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts attributed that to stubbornness on Jansen’s.
Roberts said he intended to speak with the Dodgers’ closer and catchers to get them on the same page. For his part, Jansen said there was simply a mix up because signs had been changed.
Whatever the case, Roberts said he and Jansen cleared the air, via SportsNet LA:
“I talked to Kenley, and I think that there were some signage things. When you’re in the moment, the pitcher, the catcher, feel a certain way as far as how you’re going to attack a certain hitter. But I think the No. 1 thing is the ball is coming out of Kenley’s hand really well. And I want conviction with whatever he decides to go with, because ultimately he’s making the final decision as the pitcher. So we’ve had those conversations, and all is good with the battery with Kenley.”
Jansen has not looked sharp throughout much of 2019, continuing struggles that date back to last season. He currently carries an unimpressive 3.98 ERA, which ballooned to as much as 4.67 after Renfroe’s walk-off.
Jansen’s 1.8 home runs allowed per nine innings would be the highest rate of his career if he ends the season at the mark. While Jansen’s 14 saves compared to just two blown saves might seem solid, he looks like a shell of the dominant closer he once was.
It appears the Dodgers are trying to find new ways to get the best out of their star reliever, who is in the third year of a five-year, $80 million contract. And Jansen has shown a willingness — at times — to throw a slider that’s proven to be effective.
