The Los Angeles Dodgers got back in the win column on Wednesday night, defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks, 6-3, to split their two-game series at Dodger Stadium.
Kenley Jansen earned his sixth save of the season in the victory, tossing a perfect ninth inning. He induced a pair of groundouts and a flyout to close out the game.
After some rough appearances to begin the season, Jansen has pitched much better as of late. It perhaps is tied to a mindset of enjoying himself on the mound as opposed to being overcome by stress and concern, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“I’m just trying to find a rhythm. That’s what I’ve been doing so far. Just don’t try to do too much, don’t put too much pressure on myself. Just go out there, have fun and do it like I used to. Just go out there and don’t think about anything. Just have fun and get guys out.”
Since April 21, Jansen has appeared in eight games, allowed just three hits and one earned run in nine innings. He’s collected seven strikeouts against three walks over that stretch.
Jansen is not quite back to his usual self though, as he is not missing bats nearly as much as he has throughout his career. His current strikeouts per nine innings is eight, while his previous career high for an entire season was 13.
Overall in 15 games so far, Jansen has yielded a 4.02 ERA, 5.02 FIP and 1.28 WHIP while striking out 14 and walking six over 15.2 innings pitched.
If the Dodgers want to get back into the playoff picture, then a lot of that will hinge on Jansen and the bullpen, who have struggled so far this season.
The Dodgers’ next seven games come against the Cincinnati Reds and Miami Marlins, so it could be an opportunity for Jansen and the rest of the team to go back on track.
