It only took one week for the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen to come under fire as multiple relievers were unable to protect leads against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. Some of their struggles continued against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but there were improved results in the three games with the Giants at home.
In line with what’s often been the case over recent seasons, Kenley Jansen has remained immune to the criticism. The reason, of course, is Jansen hasn’t been susceptible to the same inconsistency that’s plagued other relievers.
Despite the success Jansen has enjoyed, the Dodgers had an agreement in place to acquire closer Aroldis Chapman. It came undone after a report surfaced, detailing Chapman’s involvement in a domestic dispute.
Jansen said he was not affected by the Dodgers’ pursuit of Chapman and that he remained focus on helping the club achieve their goal of winning the World Series. The power right-hander also appears to have other matters on his mind, as he intends to pitch for Netherlands in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, according to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports:
Kenley Jansen told me he plans to prepare as if he will pitch for Dutch team; he said he will respect wishes of club, which may not be LAD.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) April 15, 2016
Jansen and the Dodgers avoided arbitration during the offseason by agreeing to a one-year, $10.65 million contract. He’s eligible for free agency this winter, and said he doesn’t plan on holding contract negotiations during the 2016 season.
Jansen has converted all four save opportunities this season, throwing 4.2 scoreless innings in the process and posting a 0.21 WHIP; He has six strikeouts to zero walks. Jansen currently ranks second on the Dodgers’ all-time saves leaders list with 146, he trails Eric Gagne by 15 saves.
