Los Angeles Dodgers trying interesting option at third base
The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking for a replacement at third until Justin Turner comes back. They may have found an interesting option.
The loss of Justin Turner is a major blow for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has emerged as an All Star caliber player, and a valuable defensive third baseman. Last year, in what was his first All Star season, Turner put together an excellent .322/.415/.530 batting line, hitting 21 homers and 31 doubles. He even stole seven bases last year, providing value on the basepaths. Add in his excellent glove, and Turner leaves a major hole in the Dodgers lineup.
Understandably, the Dodgers are looking to find a replacement while Turner’s broken wrist heals. Logan Forsythe, who was expected to move over in Turner’s absence, has been taking ground balls at third. However, there has been an unlikely player taking grounders at third in closer Kenley Jansen.
Two men are currently taking ground balls at third base, shouldering the load in Justin Turner’s absence: Logan Forsythe and ...Kenley Jansen.
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) March 20, 2018
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It certainly seems odd to have a player who may well be the best closer in the game taking grounders at third. Jansen dominated last season, leading the league with 41 saves while posting a 1.32 ERA and a 0.746 WHiP, striking out 109 batters with just seven walks in his 68.1 innings of work. The Dodgers really do not have a need to experiment with Jansen at other positions.
It is forgotten that Jansen was not always a pitcher. He had initially been signed as a catcher, spending his first four years behind the plate before his strong arm led to a move to the mound. He produced a .229/.310/.337 batting line in the minors, with 15 homers and 40 doubles. In the majors, he has gone 3-7 with a walk and a double at the plate.
Obviously, it is very unlikely that Jansen will ever see time at third base. However, given the reappearance of the two way player, it may not be entirely outside the realm of possibility. If he is unavailable to appear in a game after pitching on consecutive nights, the Dodgers might look to Jansen as an emergency fit at third.
Kenley Jansen – third baseman? It may not happen, but the Los Angeles Dodgers closer is taking grounders at the position just in case.