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The last few days have not been ideal for the Los Angeles Dodgers. They dropped three of four to the San Francisco Giants and now sit three games behind their rivals in the National League West. Kenley Jansen is also not enjoying life by any means after blowing two straight saves against the Giants.
You could even hear a flurry of boos from the Dodgers faithful when Jansen gave up the lead in the top of the ninth on back-to-back nights. But, LA manager Dave Roberts isn't losing faith in his closer, who has otherwise been terrific all season long.
#Dodgers MGR Dave Roberts on closer Kenley Jansen, who has blown saves in three straight appearances: "If you look back four days ago, he was one of top 2-3 closers in baseball. It’s interesting how things change. I just don’t think two games causes me to question a role."
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) July 23, 2021
Roberts definitely has a point. Prior to surrendering seven earned runs across his last two outings, Jansen has racked up 21 saves, which is fifth in the big leagues. He's usually lights out when called upon. The Dodgers righty also gave up just one run in his last 15 appearances before the Giants touched him up.
San Fran has frankly had Jansen's number all season long. Back on May 28th, they scored two runs off him in an extra-inning win. It's also important to note that the 33-year-old went 14 games without giving up a single run at one point.
Everyone hits a bump in the road. Roberts and the Dodgers still have faith in Jansen. There is no reason to make any drastic changes right now.
