Dodgers’ Kenley Jansen to Miss up to 12 Weeks
By Bill Pivetz
Jul 29, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) earned a save in the ninth inning of the game against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 8-4. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Dodgers had one of the worst bullpens in the league last season. Things don’t look like they will be better at the start of the 2015 season. The team will be without their closer, Kenley Jansen, anywhere from eight to 12 weeks.
Jansen reported a discomfort in his foot. It was later discovered that he has a growth on one of the bones in his left foot and went in for surgery on Tuesday. He will be on crutches for 10 days and a walking boot for three to four weeks.
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Jansen became the Dodgers’ full-time closer in 2012. He had nine career saves before the season. He recorded 25 saves with a 2.35 ERA that season. He improved the following year with 28 saves and a 1.88 ERA in 75 games. Last year was arguably his best. While his ERA rose, 2.76, his saves did as well. His 44 saves in 2014 were the third-most in the majors.
The Dodgers were in a similar situation last season. After the two-game series in Australia, the team announced an arm injury to superstar ace Clayton Kershaw. He missed the whole month of April, but the team continued on while he was out.
The Dodgers must do the same for Jansen. While there will be a big drop off in production, there are some viable replacement options in the bullpen. The likely option is Brandon League, a long-time relief pitcher with 74 career saves. The team could also turn to J.P. Howell, 21 career saves, or a veteran arm like Joel Peralta.
Even though the possible replacement will have closer experience, there is no need to reach for any of them. Jansen has an ADP of 81.7 (Round 9) according to Fantasypros.com. David Robertson is a closer being drafted just 16 spots later.
The injury also allows you to draft Jansen later than usual. Keep him on your bench, or DL spot, until he returns and you could have two potential top-five closers.