Kenley Jansen has been among the bright spots for the Los Angeles Dodgers throughout Spring Training. He strung together five consecutive scoreless appearances before surrendering a solo home run his last time out.
Jansen is entering the final season of the five-year contract he signed prior to the 2017 campaign. After a disappointing close to the 2020 season, manager Dave Roberts believes the all-time Dodgers saves leader has something to prove this year.
“I think so, and I think that’s a good thing. Anytime you get a very talented, motivated player, whatever the motivation might be, I think that’s a good thing,” Roberts said.
“That’s a good thing for him and that’s a good thing for the Dodgers. Yeah, I definitely think he’s motivated, or if you want to put it as has something to prove. Bottom line is I like where he’s at.”
Although Jansen was left in the bullpen as the Dodgers won their first World Series, Roberts has continued to voice confidence in him. Roberts went so far as to publicly declare Jansen remained the Dodgers’ closer.
Roberts ‘likes’ where Jansen is at
Roberts has been encouraged by Jansen’s mechanics of late, which he needed a brief stretch to iron out. The right-hander hit Zach Reks during a live batting practice session, prompting him to take extra time to complete dry work before getting back into a Major League game.
“I haven’t talked to Kenley a lot this camp. Not that that’s a bad thing. I think he’s really focused on keeping up with his body, which he really worked hard on this past winter,” Roberts said.
“The consistency of the delivery, I thought he’s repeated the last couple outings. I like where he’s at. I really do like where he’s at. Probably get a few days off and get back out there. I think the mind and work has been really consistent.”
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