For several decades the merit of a successful or dominant closer was based on his number of saves. The evaluation has become more progressive in recent years, and last October marked a renaissance that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Kenley Jansen were part of.
Of Jansen’s seven playoff appearances, five were more than one inning of work. He pitched at least two frames in three games, including a career-high three innings against the Chicago Cubs in Game 6 of the 2016 National League Championship Series.
Jansen has highlighted that experience as a turning point in his career. So with the Dodgers two wins into their latest playoff run, the hard-throwing righty is fully prepared for the unexpected.
“I’m ready for everything. It’s the playoffs now,” said Jansen after converting a five-out save to give the Dodgers a 2-0 lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL Division Series.
Throughout the season Jansen regularly put aside his personal statistics and accomplishments in favor of the team’s goals. He recorded 41 saves, tied for second-most overall, and had several opportunities taken away because of a potent Dodgers offense.
While Jansen was called on in the eighth inning, he needed just 18 pitches to record the five outs. He threw 16 pitches in Game 1, closing out the game but not being credited with a save because of the score.
“Right now, to me, the save situation just throw it out the window,” Jansen said. “It’s basically just finish the game. Whatever [Dave Roberts] wants me to do, I go out there and try to help my team win. That’s the mindset I have right now.
“It’s going to be the mindset from now all the way through. It doesn’t matter about the save or anything. It’s about helping my team win and finish games. I’m going to be ready no matter what the score is.”
