When the Los Angeles Dodgers lost Kenley Jansen to the 10-day disabled list, much of the talk centered around his absence and necessary return in order to stabilize the bullpen. A report suggested Jansen would miss at least one month and up to six weeks because of an irregular heartbeat.
Jansen instead returned 10 days after he was put on the DL. However, it’s hardly been met with positive results for the All-Star closer. Jansen’s latest stumble came in the ninth inning of Saturday’s game against the San Diego Padres.
With one out and the Dodgers clinging to a 4-3 lead, Jansen surrendered a game-tying home run to Austin Hedges. Upon returning to the dugout, Jansen had an outward display of frustration as he pushed over a bucket of bubble gum and slammed his glove against the bench.
Following the Dodgers’ walk-off win in the 12th inning, manager Dave Roberts spoke with Jansen and revealed he would not be used in Sunday’s series finale, allowing two days for him to reset because of Monday’s off day.
Roberts conceded the decision was due to both usage and recent results. Meanwhile, Jansen said a break was not necessary and suggested he would still use the day to sort through some issues, per Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
“I’m fine. I’m good. I don’t need a mental break,” Jansen said.
Jansen said he would work on reviewing whether a flaw in his delivery is causing his cut fastball to run rather than cut.
“I’m not making an excuse,” he said. “It just sucks.”
After suffering a loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, the 30-year-old closer said he was frustrated by a lack of command on his cutter. His cutter to Hedges had the usual velocity but missed location inside and leaked over the plate.
Since returning from the disabled list, Jansen has taken two losses and a blown save. He’s surrendered four home runs in three innings pitched during that span.
The stretch is the first of Jansen’s career in which he has allowed a home run in three consecutive appearances.
