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Los Angeles Dodgers: Kenley Jansen finding redemption

By David Hill

Oct 19, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) celebrates after defeating the Atlanta Braves in game three of the 2021 NLCS at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) celebrates after defeating the Atlanta Braves in game three of the 2021 NLCS at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers won 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kenley Jansen has not been the same pitcher he once was with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The longtime closer has been shaky over the past couple of years, with some wondering if it is time for another reliever to take over in the ninth. As a free agent at the end of the season, his time in Los Angeles could be coming to an end.

But those questions no longer matter. Jansen has been brilliant since the postseason started, striking out 12 of the 17 batters he has faced. In slamming the door shut on Atlanta in Game Three, he notched his 19th career postseason save, second most in major league history.

Kenley Jansen finds redemption with Los Angeles Dodgers

On the surface, Jansen had a solid 2021. He notched 38 saves, including the 350th of his major league career. Meanwhile, he had a 2.22 ERA and a 1.043 WHiP over his 69 innings, solid numbers for a shutdown closer.

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Those numbers did not paint a complete picture. Jansen had also posted a 4.7 BB/9 rate, the worst of his career over a full major league season. Meanwhile, his strikeout rate dropped to the point where he had a 2.39 K/BB rate, easily the worst mark of his career. Jansen may not have given up many hits, but his command just was not what it had been, making him a somewhat shaky option.

None of that matters in October. He has been utterly dominant over his postseason career, making him one of the best playoff relievers that the game has ever seen. That has been the case again this year, as he has allowed just two hits while recording those 12 strikeouts. Jansen has been everything the Dodgers needed.

And it is a reminder of what he can be. Maybe, at 34 years old and with all of those games on his arm, he is not a star any longer. But he is still an effective closer, one who knows when he needs to dial it up and when he can sit back a little. Now that the postseason has come around, Jansen is reminding everyone of what he has been.

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There were some questions about Kenley Jansen during the regular season. The Los Angeles Dodgers closer is finding redemption in the playoffs.

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