There’s no going around it, Kenley Jansen has not been good as of late.
On Wednesday night’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Dodgers took a 1-0 lead into the ninth only for Jansen to give up a solo home run which would send the game into extra innings.
The Dodgers would ultimately go on to win the game just an inning later thanks to a walk-off home run from Max Muncy, but Muncy’s heroics don’t excuse Jansen’s unreliability. The fans certainly let him know how they felt at the end of the inning.
Kenley Jansen yelled into his glove while the final out was being recorded. He returned to the dugout to a noticeable chorus of boos.
— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) August 22, 2019
Yet despite reaching what appears to be a low point in what has been an impressive career thus far, Jansen still remains confident in his ability to close for the team.
He believes it’s only a matter of time until the fans are back on his side.
Kenley Jansen told me he still loves all the Dodgers fans and also added he will win them back to the “Kenley Jansen bandwagon…Boo me on the way in and I’ll have you cheering for me after the game.” #Dodgers
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) August 22, 2019
Can He be Trusted Come October?
It’s great to see the Dodgers’ closer keep his spirits high in the midst of disastrous performances, but until he starts performing, his words, unfortunately, don’t really mean much.
It truly seems as if Jansen has played his way from a valuable asset into a liability. And, at this point in the season, the Dodgers have other relievers that they may be wise to explore as possible replacements in the closer spot.
Since June 1st…
Joe Kelly has an ERA of 1.48 (24.1 IP; 36 Ks & 9 BB).
Kenley Jansen's ERA is 4.13 (24 IP; 28 Ks & 6 BB).Kelly 1 HR, Jansen 4 HR.
I think we've hit a point where it's only sort of fair to give JK some opportunities in the 9th. Let KJ gain confidence again.
— Clint Pasillas (FRG) (@realFRG) August 22, 2019
One can only hope Jansen will somehow recapture his pre-2018 season magic, but every day the sentiment becomes bleaker and bleaker.
Let us know what you think the Dodgers should do about the closer spot below!
The post Dodgers: Kenley Jansen Still Believes in Himself Despite a Series of Poor Outings appeared first on Dodgers Nation.
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