The playoffs are still over three months away but that does not matter to Atlanta Braves closer Kenley Jansen. He already knows who he would like to face in the postseason.
Fresh off the Braves’ series with the Dodgers, Jansen was asked about a possible rematch come October. He is absolutely in favor of the possibility, saying that not only would he love it, but that matchup would be a dream come true as he would face off against his former teammates.
Atlanta Braves closer Kenley Jansen hoping to face Dodgers in playoffs
At this point, such a matchup could be a possibility. The Dodgers are Braves are both in playoff spots right now, although the National League appears as though it will be hotly contested until the end of the year. Both teams are also facing stiff competition within their divisions for their current playoff berths.
Jansen would not be the only player to face his former team in that matchup. Freddie Freeman would also get another battle against his teammates from last year. His return to Atlanta, and battle against the Braves, would generate the majority of the headlines.
But that does not take away what Jansen had meant to the Dodgers. He had become a valued part of the bullpen, notching 350 saves during his dozen years in Los Angeles. While he may have been inconsistent at times, his ability to transform from a minor league catcher to one of the better closers in the game was impressive.
He has kept on trucking along this year as well. After concerns about his future and whether or not he was still capable of being one of the elite closers in the game, Jansen has silenced those doubts. In doing so, the Braves have taken a step towards making that October matchup a reality.
Kenley Jansen already has his ideal postseason opponent in mind. He is hoping that the Atlanta Braves can face off against the Dodgers.