After the Los Angeles Dodgers implemented an abbreviated Spring Training in 2018 that aimed to keep Kenley Jansen fresh for the long haul of the season, only for it to backfire, he vowed to pitch more regularly in camp this year.
Despite that, however, Jansen dealt with more struggles throughout 2019. His velocity remained a tick lower when compared to previous seasons, and his command waned. After months of failing to find a solution, the Dodgers committed to pitching Jansen at least once per series — even in non-save situations.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the change in approach was not to remove Jansen from his role as closer but rather to exhaust all options in getting him back on track for the postseason.
That didn’t lend to an immediate turnaround, and Jansen regularly heard boos at Dodger Stadium. He acknowledged the fans’ frustration and voiced confidence he would soon have them back in his corner.
That began to come in September, when Jansen explained he’d recaptured the feel for his patented cutter. Though, soon after he allowed a combined three runs in back-to-back appearances that were four days apart.
Jansen finished the season 5-3 with 33 saves, a 3.71 ERA, 3.48 FIP and 1.06 WHIP in 62 games. Jansen’s eight blown saves were a career high, the nine home runs marked the second-most he’s allowed (13 in 2018), and the saves were his fewest since becoming a full-time closer.
Despite the Dodgers assuring confidence in Jansen had not been lost, his only appearances in the postseason were both non-save situations. He struck out a pair of batters as part of a perfect ninth inning in a 10-4 win in Game 3 of the National League Division Series.
Jansen’s next appearance was in Game 5, but not until after Joe Kelly had surrendered a game-winning grand slam to Howie Kendrick in the 10th inning.
2019 highlight
The Dodgers had lost consecutive games and were in need of a win to avoid being swept by the New York Yankees, when Jansen bailed them out. Soft contact and misfortune led to the Yankees loading the bases with one out.
Jansen responded by striking out Mike Tauchman and Gary Sanchez to convert the save in a 2-1 win. Though, that was not before some controversy that saw the Yankees ask MLB to investigate whether Jansen called for time before the tying run broke home from third base.
2020 outlook
An official announcement was never made but Jansen opted into the remaining two years and $38 million on his contract. Additionally, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and Roberts have reaffirmed Jansen remains the closer.
While he may begin next season still in his usual role, results will likely dictate what the future holds. And Jansen’s willingness to better mix his pitches — a point of contention this past season — may be a significant factor.
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