Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen is the main subject of Saturday’s (Sept. 17) episode of MLB Network’s weekly “Play Ball” series, which airs at 7 a.m. PT. In the show, Jansen details his transition from catcher to pitcher, and his infamous cutter that’s earned him comparisons to Mariano Rivera.
Jansen explained the Dodgers held reservations of whether he’d hit on a consistent basis, which prompted a move to the mound. With that, the organization had a path in place for the hard-throwing righty.
“They wanted me to be a reliever from the get-go,” Jansen said. “So, they had a plan already with me. I don’t know why they didn’t make me a starter, but they saw that potential I had to be a reliever and everything clicked.”
As for his famed cutter, Jansen initially was unaware he was throwing such a pitch. Charlie Hough watched over an early bullpen session and then informed Jansen he was throwing a cutter.
Jansen attributed his cutter to a modified grip on a four-seam fastball. It allows him to get around the ball, which creates the late cutting movement. “I started manipulating more and started making better locations, and now it’s just worked out fine with me,” he added.
In the episode, Jansen seeks help from Justin Turner on breaking in a glove. Jansen regularly fields grounders at third base during batting practice.
“Play Ball” features MLB stars discussing reaching the Majors, providing advice to kids trying to get better at the game, and sharing tips in one-on-one demonstrations.
Curtis Granderson recently appeared on the show to discuss his affinity for wrestling, and Turner joined the MLB Network crew during the All-Star break.
