Headlines

  • Blue Jays To Sign Marcus Semien
  • Tigers To Sign Wilson Ramos
  • Twins To Sign Andrelton Simmons
  • Giants Nearing Agreement With Tommy La Stella
  • Orioles Sign Freddy Galvis, Designate Chris Shaw
  • No Players Elected To Hall Of Fame
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Indians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2020-21 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2021
    • 2021 MLB Arbitration Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • Last 100 Comments
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Dave Roberts Discusses Kenley Jansen

By Connor Byrne | August 22, 2019 at 11:34pm CDT

By Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen’s lofty standards, this has been a difficult season. In his latest appearance Wednesday, the 31-year-old allowed a ninth-inning solo home run en route to a blown save against the Blue Jays. The juggernaut Dodgers still went on to another victory, but Jansen’s seemingly one of their few players who hasn’t enjoyed a stellar season.

Jansen has already surrendered the second-most homers of his career (eight) and racked up his second-highest total of blown saves (six, in 32 chances) through 48 2/3 innings in 2019. And while most relievers would be satisfied with Jansen’s 3.70 ERA/3.58 FIP, those numbers rank among career worsts for a hurler who has logged a stingy 2.32 ERA/2.24 FIP since debuting in 2011.

Jansen’s dip in performance (which dates back to last year) is among the reasons the Dodgers’ bullpen has been shaky at times this season. But there’s no imminent end-of-game change coming for Los Angeles, manager Dave Roberts explained to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register, saying he’s “not tempted” to remove Jansen as closer. The two did, however, have a “long” meeting after Wednesday’s game, reports Plunkett, who writes that Jansen also met with Dodgers president Andrew Friedman. Jansen indicated Roberts and Friedman gave him votes of confidence, but Roberts acknowledged that if things don’t turn around in the coming weeks, “then there should be a conversation and then I will have to make a decision.”

For now, Roberts is betting on improvement from the three-time All-Star, as is Jansen himself. “I’m going to be there” in the ninth, said Jansen, who insisted he’s not worried about his status. Despite his issues this year, Jansen has still posted some of the top numbers of anyone in LA’s bullpen. When it comes to regular Dodgers relievers, only Pedro Baez and Julio Urias have bettered Jansen at preventing runs (though Joe Kelly has overcome a rough start to dominate in recent weeks), and no one on the team rivals Jansen’s wealth of game-ending experience.

Back in 2017, Jansen enjoyed one of the single greatest seasons any reliever has ever delivered. He fired 68 1/3 innings of 1.32 ERA/1.31 FIP ball, recording 14.36 K/9 against 0.92 BB/9 with 41 saves on 42 tries. That near-unbeatable version of Jansen also registered a career-best 18.2 swinging-strike rate, relying on his signature cutter 85.4 percent of the time (per Statcast) to stymie the opposition. That pitch is no longer as formidable, though, and Jansen has turned to it less as a result. He has gone to it at a 76.7 percent rate this year, filling in the other 23.3 percent with a four-seamer and a slider that he has relied on to almost matching extents.

Jansen’s velocity on his cutter, four-seamer and slider has fallen in comparison to his dream ’17 season, but that’s not to say hitters have teed off on any of them. In fact, according to Statcast, Jansen has produced above-average results with each offering. Unsurprisingly, the .287 weighted on-base average hitters have managed against him trumps his .263 expected wOBA – the latter of which ranks in the majors’ 93rd percentile. Jansen’s also near the summit of the league in strikeout percentage (91st percentile; he has fanned 11.04 per nine while walking only 2.03), fastball spin (96th percentile), hard-hit rate allowed (97th percentile) and average exit velocity against (99th percentile; 84.5 mph).

By Statcast’s metrics, not to mention Jansen’s 17th-ranked swinging-strike percentage (16.1), he’s still either an elite reliever or close to it. Although he’s not the Jansen who steamrolled hitters two years ago, “He doesn’t need to be the ’17 Kenley,” according to Roberts. “He needs to be the best of what he is today and going forward.” 

Share 0 Retweet 8 Send via email0

Kenley Jansen Los Angeles Dodgers

AL Notes: O’s, Davis, Yanks, Happ, Angels
Main
White Sox GM Rick Hahn On 2020, Luis Robert
38 comments
newest oldest

Comments

  1. Cam

    1 year ago

    At least Joe Kelly has been on fire. 1.76 ERA/2.10 xFIP, 12.91 K/9 since the start of July.

    Jansen needs to be better.

    Like
    Reply
    • FullMontilla

      1 year ago

      Joe Kelly is not a better option – crazy! He’s good in his role but not their closer with a healthy Jansen to go to

      Like
      Reply
      • Cam

        1 year ago

        I never said he should..

        2 Like
        Reply
      • baseballin

        1 year ago

        postseason kelly has a career 2.49 era which tells a different story. has been kinda lights out in the playoffs the last 6 years when his team makes the playoffs. worth a look if you ask me.

        Like
        Reply
      • fox471

        1 year ago

        He did not say that.

        1 Like
        Reply
  2. FullMontilla

    1 year ago

    Lofty standards is right! He’s a great closer, just having less of a year than in recent years. Cut the guy a break!

    2 Like
    Reply
    • Senioreditor

      1 year ago

      2 bad seasons in a row and he blew game 2 of the 2017 WS. He’s no longer great but let’s hope he’s passable in October.

      1 Like
      Reply
      • amk3510

        1 year ago

        Roberts for pulling Hill or Ross Stripling blew game 2 of that world series. Jansen came in the 8th inning which put him at a disadvantage for the 9th but no one talks about that.

        Like
        Reply
  3. BlueSkyLA

    1 year ago

    It is sort of reassuring that Roberts is at least prepared to have the conversation if Jansen can’t find a groove over the few weeks. The result of that conversation is the not very reassuring part. It could be the equally nerve-racking Baez or Kelly pitching the 9th, or throwing May into the fire.

    2 Like
    Reply
    • Cam

      1 year ago

      I’m happy Roberts is prepared to have the conversation too. If anything, it might give Jansen some perspective that his job isn’t guaranteed. At least they have a big enough lead in the division, that they can experiment if need be.

      2 Like
      Reply
      • BlueSkyLA

        1 year ago

        In a more detailed article in LA Times, Roberts essentially admits that he’s had a hard time convincing Jansen to be as open to changing his approach as he should be, even using Kershaw as an object lesson for how that can be done. Jansen seems determined to continue riding the horse that brought him. It feels like the postseason depends on Roberts being able to convince him to alter his approach. It’s painful to think about a postseason scenario where that doesn’t happen, as if the Dodgers have any other good options.

        Like
        Reply
  4. laswagn

    1 year ago

    How bout giving Urias a shot at the closer role when he gets back from suspension, and if Kenley hasn’t righted the ship by then?

    Like
    Reply
    • inglesworth

      1 year ago

      Urias hasn’t yet pitched on consecutive days yet, still to this day. It’s also been reported that they are trying to work him up ti a starters workload, just in case rich hill doesnt builds up to a starter workload in time for the playoffs.

      Like
      Reply
      • BlueSkyLA

        1 year ago

        No chance Urias will be ready for a starting role this season or postseason. He isn’t eligible to return until Sept. 2. They are aiming to have him ready for starting next year. Best case scenario for this year is he’s got enough time in September to be in shape for the long relief role he’s filled all season.

        Like
        Reply
        • Aril

          1 year ago

          I want Urias only for 1 inning, when He pitch more usually He give up runs

          Like
          Reply
        • mcdusty49

          1 year ago

          I love lamp

          Like
          Reply
  5. Eightball611

    1 year ago

    He should have more than 3 all-star appearances

    Like
    Reply
  6. WereAllJustGuestsHere

    1 year ago

    Perhaps a scenario where a rookie comes up and throws smoke out of the bullpen and get’s hot (Dustin May?).

    Like
    Reply
  7. mrperkins

    1 year ago

    Clicked on Urias link to check his stats for this year. See he registered a negative FIP in his small sample size of last year’s stats. Didn’t know that was possible. Must be formidable to hit against a guy who even takes away runs you’ve already scored.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • Santee Alley

      1 year ago

      Funny, but it makes sense looking at the formula for FIP. He didn’t allow a HR or BB.

      Like
      Reply
  8. NC_BOB

    1 year ago

    The woeful Pirates made Vasquez available to the Dodgers – maybe LA should have overpaid? Do we know what was the LA offer?

    If the Dodgers offered May and Ruiz (and some much lesser 3rd piece), and the Pirates didn’t take it, I think that was foolish by the Pirates.

    Like
    Reply
    • BigFred

      1 year ago

      No way the Dodgers would have offered that much.

      2 Like
      Reply
      • NC_BOB

        1 year ago

        Why? The Indians gave up Clint Frazier and Justus Sheffield (plus others) for multiple years of Andrew Miller. The Dodgers would have gotten 4+ years of team control of an elite closer in his prime.

        Does LA want to win a World Series, or do they want to win organization of the year? AF isn’t in Tampa anymore. If they lose because of a bad bullpen, the LA media will have a field day roasting Friedman. The Dodgers have a great team, but a flawed bullpen. Maybe they can fix it with internal options.
        Maybe not.

        Flags Fly Forever…

        Like
        Reply
        • BigFred

          1 year ago

          I wasn’t talking about what they SHOULD have done. I was talking about what they WOULD (or would not) have done. Friedman doesn’t do deals like that. He likes to keep his top prospects.

          3 Like
          Reply
        • marijuasher

          1 year ago

          If Friedman didn’t keep the top prospects for the past 3 seasons, we wouldn’t be where we are right now.

          2 Like
          Reply
    • BlueSkyLA

      1 year ago

      We don’t know what the Dodgers offered for Vasquez only that the Pirates didn’t bite. Ruiz could have been in play but I suspect May wasn’t, and he doesn’t seem like the best target for the Pirates anyway since he is competition ready now and the Pirates aren’t. Not much point in trading for a player whose team control clock will start ticking years before the team is a position to use him to good advantage. Seems like the Pirates should have been targeting prospects a bit further away from the majors. The Dodgers have a good selection in addition to Ruiz. All we know is it didn’t happen.

      Like
      Reply
      • mcdusty49

        1 year ago

        I think that May and Lux were untouchable and I’m ok with that

        Like
        Reply
  9. blueblood42

    1 year ago

    True but look what happened to Manny Machado and Yu Darvish.

    1 Like
    Reply
  10. david722

    1 year ago

    The Dodger pen will prevent them from winning the WS as it has the past few years. This is squarely on Friedman who has done little to address this ongoing problem. If you are all in then fix it!

    1 Like
    Reply
  11. CardsNation5

    1 year ago

    Jansen’s arm is turning into toast. He’s lost 6 mph off his fastball. The Dodgers overused him the last 2 years in the postseason and now he’s on the decline. He’ll never be the same again.

    Like
    Reply
    • BlueSkyLA

      1 year ago

      Not that much. His velocity is down 2-3 MPH., typical of a pitcher beyond age 30. Aging pitchers have to be open to altering their approach. So far, Jansen hasn’t been, and that’s the problem, not some “overuse” phantom.

      2 Like
      Reply
    • marijuasher

      1 year ago

      That’s a fresh batch of Best Fan material in case anyone wonders what all the stink is.

      Like
      Reply
  12. marijuasher

    1 year ago

    There aren’t many dominant closers in the game today. Kenley is getting older, and his body can not deliver like it used to. Same thing happened with Clayton last year. He gave up a lot more homers than he ever had, and folks were very concerned about the drop in velocity.

    Kenley is a professional who signed a big contract with the one team who made his career. The man has integrity. He is not indifferent to losing. He has a long successful resume, and he will figure this out.

    Saves is one of those stats that don’t make any sense outside of fantasy leagues. Baseball would benefit if there was a shift in the paradigm.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • mcdusty49

      1 year ago

      Saves are one of the most important stats when it comes to pitching and the teams that win it all have someone that comes in and gets those “saves” and finishes the game off…it’s pretty simple if you don’t get those “saves” you don’t win close ball games

      Like
      Reply
      • marijuasher

        1 year ago

        The purpose is to win the ballgame. The statistic is Saves. There is a difference between what qualifies for a stat and what is necessary to win ballgames.

        The stat is what gets these guys paid, but the true value of the player goes beyond that simple understanding.

        1 Like
        Reply
  13. mcdusty49

    1 year ago

    I believe in Kenley but if he does turn it around before October I’d give Dustin May the ball in the 9th and tell him to throw 105

    Like
    Reply
  14. cmanson

    1 year ago

    Jansen needs to go watch some Trevor Hoffman videos and learn the change-up…something he should have done 5 years ago!

    Like
    Reply
  15. whyhayzee

    1 year ago

    He did fine today. The yankees hit a bunch of dribblers and then sanchize struck out with the bases loaded.

    Like
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.
Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Blue Jays To Sign Marcus Semien

    Tigers To Sign Wilson Ramos

    Twins To Sign Andrelton Simmons

    Giants Nearing Agreement With Tommy La Stella

    Orioles Sign Freddy Galvis, Designate Chris Shaw

    No Players Elected To Hall Of Fame

    Phillies To Sign J.T. Realmuto

    Indians, Cesar Hernandez Agree To New Deal

    Nationals Sign Brad Hand

    Mets Have Made Offer To Trevor Bauer

    Recent

    Blue Jays To Sign Marcus Semien

    Infield Notes: Phillies, Simmons, Wong, Tigers, Paredes

    Tigers To Sign Wilson Ramos

    Twins To Sign Andrelton Simmons

    Giants Nearing Agreement With Tommy La Stella

    Updating Our MLB Agency Database

    Orioles Sign Freddy Galvis, Designate Chris Shaw

    No Players Elected To Hall Of Fame

    Latest On The Issue Of A Delayed Spring Training

    Twins GM Thad Levine Discusses Offseason

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Trevor Bauer Rumors
    • Kris Bryant Rumors
    • J.T. Realmuto Rumors
    • Marcell Ozuna Rumors
    • Masahiro Tanaka Rumors
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • 2020-21 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2021
    • 2021 MLB Arbitration Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Indians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top
    Close

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version