Doc to 'keep thinking through' Jansen's role
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The Dodgers gently took the “closer” title from Kenley Jansen last week with an explanation that he would pitch innings besides the ninth. After his ninth inning Wednesday night, it’s unclear what inning the Dodgers will next use Jansen.
Manager Dave Roberts, who has been loyal to the most decorated closer in franchise history, issued no vote of confidence after Jansen, with a three-run lead to start the ninth inning, allowed a pair of runs and needed Joe Kelly to struggle to get the final out in the Dodgers’ 6-5 win over the Padres in Game 2 of the National League Division Series at Globe Life Field in Arlington.
“I’m going to keep thinking through it,” Roberts said when asked about Jansen’s future role.
From the way Roberts managed this game, it’s clear the Dodgers are going with matchups and not titles. That’s why, with a 4-3 lead and two outs in the top of the seventh inning, Roberts brought in triple-digit fireballer Brusdar Graterol to face Fernando Tatis Jr., with Manny Machado on deck.
| Game | Date | Result | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gm 1 | Oct. 6 | LAD 5, SD 1 | Watch |
| Gm 2 | Oct. 7 | LAD 6, SD 5 | Watch |
| Gm 3 | Oct. 8 | LAD 12, SD 3 | Watch |
Shop for postseason gear: Graterol was lucky he had Cody Bellinger pulling back a home run from Tatis or that would have certainly been a blown save. And while Roberts did use Jansen in the ninth, it had more to do with facing the bottom of the Padres’ order than the inning. When he couldn’t slam the door after five batters, and with the lineup turning over to Tatis again, Jansen was removed, having made a tiresome 30 pitches.
“That part of the order, I liked Kenley right there with a three-run lead and I expect him to get those outs,” Roberts said.
Kelly only added to the suspense. Leaning heavily, but not exclusively, on sliders, Kelly walked Tatis and Machado to load the bases. But he got Eric Hosmer to ground sharply to second base and end the game.
Roberts has used Blake Treinen and Jansen in each of the first two games, and Kelly’s walks this year have been a red flag.
“I wouldn’t say I’m concerned,” he said of what was the best bullpen in the league statistically. “All of us need to keep being better and make pitches and, when your name is called, be ready to get outs.”
Jansen was the NL Reliever of the month for August, but by late September he had experienced a noticeable drop in velocity, and he hasn’t recovered. According to Statcast, Jansen's average cutter velocity since Sept. 24 is 89.6 mph. It was 91.5 mph prior to Sept. 24. His average of 89.7 mph in Game 2 is his third lowest in any outing this season.
He’s had only seven outings in his entire career where his average velocity on sinker/cutter sat below 90 mph. Six of the seven have come since the start of September -- and the other came in his season debut in 2018 after sustaining a hamstring injury.
“My love and respect for him certainly hasn’t changed, and he feels terrible,” said Roberts. “He wants to be the guy, and he’s proven it time and time again. I know he’s thrilled we won a baseball game, a big ballgame.”