Dodgers: Roberts Explains Why Blake Treinen Closed Over Kenley Jansen
In the 9th inning of Tuesday night’s win, the Dodgers opted to throw Blake Treinen out for the save, not closer Kenley Jansen. Notably, Kenley was in the bullpen and seemingly available, but instead, Dave Roberts opted for a different direction.
After the game, Doc explained why.
Kenley was available, I just think that the last 10 days we’ve leaned on him heavily. And so Blake coming off three days rest… they’re interchangeable. Kenley’s our closer but to keep him frisky and fresh allows Blake a little bit of runway today. So, it was the right move and it worked out and Kenley will be ready to go tomorrow.
For what it’s worth, the Padres did have their 2-3-4 hitters due up in the 9th, including Jake Cronenworth and Manny Machado who have both given Kenley fits in the past. However, to Dave’s note, the big man did make two appearances in each of the last three series, pitching six times in a nine day stretch.
Since an ugly six game blip mid-season, Jansen has arguably been the best closer in baseball. Over his last 25 games, the Dodgers’ all-time saves leader has a 0.71 ERA with 14 saves and 31 strikeouts across 25.1 innings. Batters are hitting just .095 against him.
Treinen got the job done on Tuesday night but didn’t go unscathed, serving up a solo home run to San Diego second baseman Jake Cronenworth in the eventual 2-1 LA win. Max Scherzer gets the ball tonight against Ryan Weathers and the Padres. First pitch is set for 7:10 PM PT.
NEXT: Cody Bellinger Activated, but ‘Not at 100 Percent’
Joe Kelly should be the closer. He has been lights out.
He had such a great september! I agree
Kelly is the best retaliator that we’ve ever had. When you hit any of our guys, just throw Kelly out there and Roberts doesn’t even have to instruct him regarding retaliation. Joe knows what to do. He’s a warrior.
Dodgers have top rated bullpen in MLB, Brewers 3rd, Cardinals 10th, Giants 19th. If we can’t hit Wainwright in the WC game, maybe we can hit the Cards bullpen while ours holds the fort.
that’s right. and we have 2 Cy Young candidates so we have the best starters as well. Great pitching will get the Dodgers to the World Series this year!
Cody Bellinger needs to be deactivated. He should not be on the playoff roster.
Same with Kenley.
Kenley isn’t a problem but again Dodgers offense pretty much laid an egg again and leaving the bases full twice without scoring. Again the offense is what will end Dodger’s season on October 6th. Giants won and we can’t expect any help from Dback, and the Padres will most likely roll over for the Giants willingly just to prevent Dodgers from taking the division.
Yet again, #firedaveroberts
Bellinger is Robert’s boy and .159 BA or not, he will be on the roster from here on out. Thankfully, Pujols should be back very soon since it was just side effects from 2nd Covid Vaccine dose.
I think Bellinger is beyond repair, plus there is one injury after another. If he had missed this whole season we would be in first place.
With the rest of this offense being sub par for the last month or so it wouldn’t matter much if Bellinger was on roster or not.
BTW, the Giants magic number the division title is now 4.
The real answer is Doc Is getting into playoff mode or at least we hope
So refreshing that this site has baseball fans who talk baseball related instead of truebluela where they exchange recipes and cooking tips and dont talk baseball.
Lux staying hot will make it less likely that Belli takes a spot on playoff roster. I think if Pujols is good to go Belli stays home. And whoever thinks Doc is choosing the playoff roster is totally tripping.
Well it’s known that Roberts is a puppet for the FO. LUX, no matter what he does however, will not keep Bellinger off PS roster. And either the FO and or Roberts probably have already made that decision to put Bellinger on the October roster.
Lux and Belli will both be on the playoff roster – its Beatty that will miss out
Once again, #firedaveroberts
Beaty in the future is going to Haunt DRRRRRRRRRRRRR and the Dodgers……..Most likely he’ll be Belt’s replacement for Zaidi….Talk about Bias stupidity…….
As much as I love Beaty’s bat, it’s his defense that keeps him out of the lineup. Maybe he can put in some more work in the off-season to improve it like Muncy did.
Why should the coach have to explain the reason for putting in treinan over jansen he is the coach right? Not you armchair coaches.
That was the best move by Roberts all year.