Los Angeles Dodgers: How long of a leash for Kenley Jansen?
Over the years, Kenley Jansen has been a solid closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers. A three time All Star, he has twice been named the NL Reliever of the Year, and has six seasons with over 30 saves. He has been a solid reliever over the years, and for a time, was one of the more dominant closers in baseball.
But time comes for us all. This includes Jansen, who is starting to show some cracks in the armor. His command started to slip last year, as his 3.3 BB/9 rate was his highest since 2012. His struggles continued in the postseason, where he struggled in both the NLDS and in the World Series.
Can the Los Angeles Dodgers trust Kenley Jansen?
Those struggles have continued into this season. In the very small sample size of 3.2 innings, Jansen has already issued four walks with just one strikeout. It is a far cry from the command that he showed in spring training, where he struck out 13 batters with just two walks in his 7.1 innings as he looked like the dominant force he had been.
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Given his track record of success, this is likely an early season slump. Even with a successful spring training, players can struggle out of the gates as most players are back atop their game. However, considering his issues during the 2020 postseason, those doubts have to be in the back manager Dave Roberts‘ mind.
The Dodgers do have options should Jansen falter. Both Blake Treinen and Corey Knebel have experience in the closer role, giving the team plenty of depth. Even David Price could get a look in the ninth inning, especially given his price tag.
Obviously, there is a long way to go in the season. By this time next week, Jansen could have nailed saves in his next three appearances while striking out seven batters and not issuing a walk. Those concerns could be put to rest. But until then, those questions are going to start being asked.
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Kenley Jansen is still the unquestioned closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers. But if he continues to struggle, his leash may get a little tighter with each outing.