Dodgers: Kenley Jansen isn’t just a record setter, he’s a living legend
The Dodgers truly did find a diamond in the rough in Kenley Jansen. Now, eight years after converting from a catcher, Jansen is a living legend in the ninth inning.
Kenley Jansen tallied an astonishing MLB record 51 K’s without earning a single walk to start the season for the Dodgers. However, that record ended Sunday afternoon at Dodger Stadium.
Dave Roberts gave the signal for Kenley Jansen to preserve another victory in the eighth inning. The Dodgers were ahead 7-6 with one out against Colorado, but Roberts wanted to make sure it stayed that way.
He eventually closed the game out, but surrendered an unexpected walk in the ninth before the game was over. It was the first time he’s done that, but it took 112 batters till it happened.
The streak suddenly came to an end, but it didn’t turn out to be a complete bummer. Jansen recorded his 17th save of the year and even tallied his first RBI with a double in the eighth inning.
It’s funny, the season isn’t close to being done yet but he keeps finding ways to prove why he’s the best closer in the game.
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Kenley Geronimo Jansen is one pace to potentially being the first reliever to win the Cy Young Award since former Dodgers great Eric Gagne did it in 2003.
The 29-year-old rejected offers from Washington and Miami to stay in Los Angeles, and it’s greatly appreciated. The 6’5” right-hander is an intimidating presence on the mound, and his mechanics are second to none.
Every opposing batter knows that he’s on a mission to throw strikes and that pressure leads to their mishaps at the plate. He’s only allowed 17 hits in 31 games, owns a 0.83 ERA and obviously, just one walk allowed.
His signature pitch is the “cutter,” and it keeps the opposition guessing every time because of his ability to switch up the approach before throwing. The uncanny abilities are what separates him apart from the rest, and this dominant stretch is sculpting his legacy in history.
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It may be huge shoes to fill, but Kenley Jansen could be for the Dodgers what Mariano Rivera was to the New York Yankees. With a devastating cutter and lights out performances, we are witnessing something truly special in Kenley Jansen.