The 2019 season is Kenley Jansen’s 10th with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and while he has established himself as one of the sport’s top closers in recent years, the 31-year-old is currently facing arguably the most difficult stretch of his career.
After a solid first half, Jansen has taken a considerable step back over the last two months of play. Since the All-Star break, he has compiled an 0-1 record, 4.85 ERA and 1.46 WHIP with 19 strikeouts against four walks in 13 innings pitched (13 appearances).
Jansen suffered his latest stumble on Wednesday night, allowing a game-tying home run to Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Rowdy Tellez — consequently blowing his sixth save of the season in the process.
Jansen completed the ninth inning without any further damage and was booed by the Dodger Stadium crowd upon walking off the field. Despite the harsh reception, he vowed to earn back their support over time.
Jansen realizes that his ineffectiveness has warranted any frustrations directed to him and pledged to continue improving as the season progresses, per Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times:
“I love our fans,” he said. “Listen, man, as frustrated as they are, I am, too. I am with them.”
He went on to make them a promise.
“I’m going to continue to get better,” he said.
In his first save attempt since last week’s debacle, Jansen redeemed himself with a scoreless inning of work against the New York Yankees on Saturday. It wasn’t without a scare, however, as he had to work out of a bases-loaded jam with the tying run at third base.
Staring in the face of adversity, Jansen struck out Yankees outfielder Mike Tauchman and All-Star catcher Gary Sanchez in back-to-back plate appearances to help close out a 2-1 Dodgers victory.
It was a promising bounce-back effort for Jansen, whose cutter reached 96 mph in the outing. He was excited to face the Yankees in what many considered to be a preview of the 2019 World Series.
After the game, Jansen reiterated that making adjustments will be key for his future success. The Dodgers have encouraged their longtime closer to expand his arsenal, and he has responded by throwing his slider and two-seam fastball with more regularity.
In 49 overall appearances this season, Jansen has converted 27-of-33 save opportunities while posting a career-high 3.62 ERA, 3.45 FIP and 1.07 WHIP with 67 strikeouts against 11 walks over 49.2 innings pitched.
