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Dodgers: Kenley Jansen Tells You Not to Be Worried About Him

Kenley Jansen is not the same Kenley Jansen he was five years ago. He isn’t even the same Kenley we saw in 2017 that posted a 1.32 ERA and 1.31 FIP. He used to be downright spectacular with his cutter sending hitters flailing.

This new Kenley is one that is not exactly pleasant to see, but the most unnerving part of this deterioration is Jansen’s apparent ignorance to his own deterioration. He isn’t the same and he has yet to acknowledge it.



The soon-to-be 32-year-old closer went on MLB Network Radio on Thursday to discuss his struggles and to tell fans they shouldn’t be worried about him because he isn’t worried about himself.

Here is the link to the interview:

Where Jansen is at Now

While Kenley is not the same, he is staying positive and planning to continue to execute the way he knows how:

“I’m feeling good. You see a lot of soft contact and things not going your way. Things like bad luck…you can’t let those things frustrate you out there. You just got to keep going. The ball is coming out of my hand well. I’m just looking to make adjustments now. You just have to stay positive.”

Jansen holds a 3.79 ERA and 3.68 FIP on the season with a 4-3 record and 28 saves. It’s been an uncharacteristic year for Jansen to say the least.

Jansen Isn’t Worried…and He Says You Shouldn’t Be Either

Kenley Jansen doesn’t realize how much he has declined, but it’s good to see him maintain a great deal of confidence. Confidence plays up just as much as ‘stuff’ does in the playoffs.

“I’m not worried about myself and I don’t want my teammates…anybody to be worried about myself. Because I know I’m going to be just fine.”

Maybe this is the year that Jansen doesn’t blow a game in the World Series. We can only hope.

Just a reminder from Jansen:

“Who cares.”

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Pitching Once a Series

Jansen has been pitching less and while it has not had the intended impact, it saves him for higher leverage innings in the postseason.

“Me and Doc [Dave Roberts], we talked about it. This year is one year that I am consistently not pitching that often. Last month, he started pitching be once per series. If he did that, my innings would be so low and we have a powerful offense…we win big or just lose by one. The save situation doesn’t show up as often. That’s an adjustment that I try to make, too. Staying in your rhythm and trying to stay consistent like other years.”

The Dodgers need Jansen to perform up to what the standards he has set for himself are.

Ready for October

Jansen just wants to be ready for the postseason:

“I totally agree. This is the time right now to find my rhythm and keep myself going so I can be ready for the playoffs.”

Here’s to hoping Jansen will prove us wrong!

Daniel Preciado

My name is Daniel Preciado and I am 19 years old. I am a sophomore Sport Analytics major and Cognitive Science and Economics dual minor at Syracuse University. When I am not in New York, I live in Whittier, California --- not too far from Chavez Ravine. I am pretty old-school for being an analytics guy and I will always embrace debate. Also, Chase Utley did absolutely nothing wrong.

11 Comments

  1. It’s his worst season and we’re not supposed to worry? Is he one of those living in the world of “alternative facts”? Anyone who has faith in him to close out playoff games against the elite teams the Dodgers will face hasn’t been paying attention.

  2. I’m not worrying about Kenley Jansen at all. I fully expect him to give up a Series Winning Walk-Off Homerun comes playoff time.

  3. Kenley, you are pitching poorly, we are worried. The entire baseball world is commenting on how bad the pen is and often name you as a big part of the problem being the closer.

  4. You are full of crap. Not pitching consistently is your reason that you suck!! The other relief pitchers don’t pitch every game and they’re doing fine. Get help because you are in denial. So the problem is Roberts not using you and not you blowing a lead. You come in save a game and can’t seem to do that.

  5. Here we go again When will he come out of denial he doesn’t have it any longer His mind thinks that he can still do it he can’t close he can’t win a ball game he doesn’t have it please he’s adjusting now he needs I’m so tired of it all I’m lost for words

  6. It’s easy to kick a guy when he’s down. You guys above have short memories. Hope Jansen proves you wrong.

    1. I’d love him to prove me wrong. However, my memory extends back long enough to recall how many 9th inning runs and home runs he’s given up the last 2 years.

  7. I have been very concerned about Kenley for awhile. No matter what he says, the reality is that he continues to struggle. Kenley has done better in low leverage situations…. that’s a start….but putting Kenley out there to close tight games remains disconcerting. I just don’t see him effectively closing post season games when so much is at stake.
    And I, too, hope that Kenley proves me wrong.

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