Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes that a mechanics issue is the reason for Kenley Jansen’s velocity decline to start the season.
Jansen pitched and took the loss in the Dodgers’ 1-0 defeat to the San Francisco Giants on Friday night. He allowed a solo home run in the ninth to Joe Panik, who has defeated the Dodgers in consecutive 1-0 games on solo shots.
In the outing, Jansen averaged 89.1 mph on his fastball/cutter, per Fangraphs. That’s down four miles per hour from his average last year. Prior to Saturday’s game, Roberts attributed Jansen’s down velocity to mechanics.
Dave Roberts reiterated his belief that Kenley Jansen’s velocity decline is due to a mechanical issue, though he does not yet know which. He said “no one cares more than” Jansen.
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) March 31, 2018
When faced with questions about his velocity following Friday’s game, Jansen was dismissive.
Dave Roberts indicated a mechanical issue was at fault for Kenley Jansen’s diminished velocity tonight. Jansen said that was not the case. Told his cutter clocked in at 89 mph, Jansen repeatedly asked, “Who cares?”
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) March 31, 2018
It’s not uncommon for a pitcher to not be at peak velocity at the beginning of the season. Sometimes it takes a little time to get into top form. Of course, after pitching 85 innings last season between the regular season and playoffs, Jansen could be having a bit of a hangover.
