Dodgers Team News

Dodgers: Dave Roberts Talks Blake Treinen over Kenley Jansen in Game 5

Everything just about went the Dodgers way in game 5 of the World Series, a stark contrast over the previous contest. Clayton Kershaw gave the club a gutty 5.2 inning performance, allowing 2 runs to the scrappy Rays. The rest of the bullpen followed with 3.1 innings of scoreless relief to lock down the 4-2 win and put LA one win away from its first world title in 32 years.

The inning with perhaps the biggest microscope was the 9th. Dave Roberts called on Blake Treinen, not embattled closer Kenley Jansen to record the final 3 outs. Something he was asked about after the game.



They’re both great choices, but I just felt that I liked Blake right there. We’ve leaned on Kenley, we haven’t done three in a row in some time but we have with Blake… I just like it right there. But they’re both unbelievable guys in high-leverage.

You have to admire Dave’s ability to stick by Kenley Jansen. Still, he was pressed about what Jansen’s role might be for the rest of this series. More so, who might be getting the ball in the 9th inning of a potential game 6 clincher.

I see a lot of our guys — Kenley and Blake in particular — high leverage. And whatever that means, I think conventionally it’s ‘closing’ … but I think we’re just kind of peeling back a layer on that. … Kenley I thought threw the ball well [on Friday], he just was unlucky … but come game 6, Kenley will be ready to pitch high leverage.

Read into that as you will, but with a day off on Monday, and the team having avoided arms like Joe Kelly and Brusdar Graterol among others on Sunday night, you can bet your bottom dollar that everyone will be on deck to shut down a potential game 6, World Series-clinching win on Tuesday.

NEXT: LA Gives Tony Gonsolin the Nod for Game 6

Clint Pasillas

Clint Pasillas has been writing, blogging, and podcasting about the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2008. Under Clint's leadership as the Lead Editor, Dodgers Nation has grown into one of the most read baseball sites in the world with millions of unique visitors per month. Find him online on Twitter/X or his YouTube channel!

14 Comments

  1. Sure are missing verdugo.. Look at these averages! Batters 5 thru nine barely hit their weight . Cody and Mookie not to far behind them. Can’t always rely on homers. Small ball goes a big way. Get Smith out and put someone who can make contact and not strike out!

      1. Scuba, it was the right deal for Dodgers because Verdugo was another in a plethora of LHB and Graterol with some coaching and gaining valuable experience is a real plus for this BP. As far as Roberts having Blake in the 9th over Kenley was an absolute no brainer.

        1. Bench Baez and Jansen, and send them both to the minors next season if they’re still on contract and can’t be traded.
          Go Dodgers! As LBJ said, “Finish your breakfast!”

          1. Baez is a FA after this season. Not sure but he may be pitching elsewhere in 2021. Jansen has no options and can’t be sent to minors without his consent.

    1. Rest assured we’ll see Muncy at clean up looking for a walk. Home runs are impressive but the team needs to be more aggressive at the plate. You have a bat in your hands for a reason. Make contact is #1 and believe me the dingers will come. I never once stepped up to swing for the fence and had my share of them.

  2. Treinen was lights out with the A’s and would be again as closer. How about Jansen-Graterol-Treinen? Turn it into a 6-inning game when you’re ahead.

  3. Jansen had his turn and now its time he rides the bench for the remainder of the series.

    1. He’ll still get the ring sitting on the bench so it’s wise not to use him. Everybody knows except Dave Roberts!

  4. More importantly, what is wrong with Roberts? May needs a year in the minors to control both his pitches and his emotions. Putting in Gonsolin is like giving the Rays batting practice. Look at all the bench-warmers in the bull pen with ERAs at 3 or below. Hard to best your competitors AND your coach!

  5. Sounds like he’ll put in Jansen. Any smart manager wouldn’t! But he wants to Jansen to get the last out and give him all the credit. Even if you do, I’ll never praise Jansen for the save. Dodgers will win due to talented players not by the manager!

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