Dodgers News: Mechanical Changes Bring Kenley Jansen Success
Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen spoke with David Vassegh of AM 570’s “Dodgers Talk” yesterday and highlighted how a close look at his mechanics has helped him turn around a slow start to the season.
.@Dodgers @kenleyjansen74: "I watch a lot of video. When people are sleeping, that is when I am on the computer looking for my mechanics. I figured it out in Tampa and since then it has been a fun ride." (?: @THEREAL_DV) https://t.co/BZRdATF1YY
— AM 570 LA Sports (@AM570LASports) June 12, 2019
Jansen, who’s playing out the third year of a five-year contract he signed before the 2017 season, has endured criticism over the past two years for what has appeared to be a noticeable drop in performance.
His velocity went down and his cutter appeared to stop cutting. On top of that, the rest of the Dodgers bullpen has severely struggled and essentially eliminated any patience Dodgers’ fans might have.
However, since giving up a walk-off grand slam to the San Diego Padres back on May 5, Jansen has quietly performed up to the level that many expect of him.
Since May 5, he’s pitched 9.1 scoreless innings in nine appearances and has lowered his ERA from a staggering 4.67 to 3.07. In that span of time, he’s also only given up four hits in each of his appearances combined.
When asked what’s motivated him to watch film of his pitching and fix any flaws in his mechanics, Jansen mentioned his drive to bring a championship back to LA.
I don’t need to peak in March. I need to peak in October and November. We’ve won this division so much already, it’s time to bring a championship back to LA. That’s where my focus is.
While the Dodgers bullpen has continued to struggle, Jansen’s noticeable improvements have been the silver lining so far.
If he can continue producing at the level he’s displayed since May 5, the Dodgers will have one less thing to worry about come October.
