The Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves eliminated each another en route to winning the past two World Series, and became further intertwined earlier this year when Kenley Jansen and Freddie Freeman changed sides.
Up to that point both players had spent the entirety of their respective careers with one team. It’s made matchups between the Dodgers and Braves emotional affairs, particularly for Freeman as he fought through tears throughout the weekend at Truist Park.
Jansen appeared in the final two games of the series, converting one of two save opportunities. Prior to his blown save on Sunday, Jansen said he would more than welcome the Braves and Dodgers meeting in the postseason, via Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic
“I would love it,” Jansen said of another October rematch. “It would be a dream come true. Why not? Facing my old teammates? Why not? It would be a great fight. I think the league wants it, too. See the two champions battle.”
Prior to 2013, the Braves and Dodgers had only met in the postseason once. The 1996 National League Division Series produced an Atlanta sweep. The Braves started three Hall of Famers during the series: John Smoltz in Game 1, Greg Maddux in Game 2, and Tom Glavine in Game 3.
The Dodgers then won the 2013 NLDS in four games, and accomplished the same during the divisional round in 2018. The next October clash came in the 2020 NL Championship Series, when the Dodgers memorably overcame a 3-1 series deficit in the MLB bubble at Globe Life Field.
The Braves returned the favor in the 2021 NLCS by eliminating the Dodgers in six games en route to winning the World Series.
Jansen has been part of every iteration of postseason history between the Dodgers and Braves.
Both teams figure to play October baseball this year, but only time will tell if they will add to their head-to-head playoff history.
Roberts: Jansen had added motivation against Dodgers
When Jansen converted a save against the Dodgers on Saturday, his fastball touched 98 mph and overall sat at a higher velocity than what has come to be expected from the 34-year-old. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts attributed that to Jansen likely having extra motivation against his former teammates.
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