Kenley Jansen not in danger of losing closer role despite struggles
The Los Angeles Dodgers will continue to give struggling reliever Kenley Jansen a fairly long leash.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that he was not considering moving Jansen out of the closer role and indicated that the two-time All-Star had earned the spot, per Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.
Asked Dave Roberts if he would consider moving Kenley Jansen out of closer role to work out his issues in lower-stress role: "I think we’re a ways from that. I think he’s earned that. Sometimes with a guy like that with his track record, you’ve got to let him work things out. …
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) April 19, 2018
"… And it’s not a mental thing as far as Kenley. It’s just going out there and executing. That’s not even on my mind right now."
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) April 19, 2018
Jansen had another rough outing on Tuesday against the San Diego Padres, giving up two earned runs in the bottom of the ninth to send the game into extras (though the Dodgers won in 12 innings). He now holds an 8.10 ERA through seven games and has already blown more saves in four opportunities this season (two) than he did in 42 opportunities last season (one).
Roberts theorized at the start of the year what the issue might be for Jansen, but it sounds like the 30-year-old will get every chance to redeem himself.