Dodgers News: Kenley Jansen Believes He Deserves All-Star Game Bid
Coming off a strong 2014 campaign, Kenley Jansen began the 2015 season on the disabled list due to undergoing surgery on his left foot. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen managed without their closer and has been bolstered by his return.
Jansen has converted 13 of 14 save opportunities this season, appearing in 19 games total. While he missed the first month of action, he believes his performance warrants a spot in the 2015 All-Star Game, according to ESPN’s Mark Saxon:
Yeah, I feel like I deserve that. Jeez, just look at the last four years what I’ve been doing,” Jansen said. “Other relievers have been making it, some because they’re the only guy on one team. I think I deserve it, but I’m not going to worry about it. My main goal is to focus here to help my team win.”
When compared to other closers across the National League, Jansen stacks up favorably. One of his competitors is Aroldis Chapman of the host-team Cincinnati Reds. Chapman has 10 more saves than Jansen, a lower opponents batting average, and 12 more strikeouts.
Jansen counters with less walks issued and a lower ERA. Over his career Jansen has 119 saves to 18 blown saves, with a 2.23 ERA and 0.94 WHIP. The Curaçao native has yet to make an All-Star game in his six-year career.
All-Star Game starters are being announced Sunday live on ESPN at 4:30 p.m. PT. Reserves and pitchers will be revealed on Monday, also on ESPN, at 4:00 p.m. PT. The Midsummer Classic is scheduled for Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. PT with FOX broadcasting.
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