Dodgers: Kenley Jansen Named Reliever of the Month
The rewards and accolades just keep coming for Dodgers players. This time, It’s closer Kenley Jansen who receives the honors.
Jansen was named as the Reliever of the Month for the National League for his performance in August. Jansen locked down 8 saves and struck out 19 batters in 11.2 innings pitched. He allowed just two earned runs for the entire month and allowed just 5 total hits.
Your Relievers of the Month pres. by @TheHartford:
AL: Liam Hendriks, 0.64 ERA, 9 saves, 14 IP, 20 Ks
NL: Kenley Jansen, 1.54 ERA, 8 saves, 11.2 IP, 19 Ks pic.twitter.com/xr4wV4hMXZ— MLB (@MLB) September 2, 2020
For Jansen, this year has been a huge step up from the last two years as the Dodgers closer. His walk rate is up a little bit, but his strikeout rate has also shot up along with it. Jansen is also averaging an exit velocity of a ridiculously low 82.5 mph, the best mark of his entire career.
Jansen is also doing it without an increase in velocity. In fact, his velocity is a tick own from 2019. Much like many Dodgers pitchers, Jansen spent his time this offseason fine-tuning mechanics at the popular Driveline Academy.
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Jansen scares me the guy never has a 1,2 3 inning and last night blew the lead but Dodgers rallied for the win. I’m shocked he was the reliever of the month. I hope in playoffs he can come in and shut down the opponents. I dont want to see us lose a game and chance to continue on to a championship