An intriguing scenario featuring bullpen pitcher Kenley Jansen playing against his old team occurred during the Los Angeles Angels vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game. Even though the Angels pitcher Jansen has been linked to trade rumors, he ended the game against the Dodgers with an 11-9 victory, and he talks about the deliberate move he made involving Shohei Ohtani.
When Jansen attempted to purposefully balk for the runner to go to third base in the bottom of the ninth inning, Ohtani was at second base with two outs and Mookie Betts was up to bat. Because he didn’t want Ohtani to pick up “any of the locations,” the umpires didn’t understand his intention until Jansen brought it up, according to MLB.com.
Jansen remarked, “I really wanted the deliberate balk there.” I believed it was preferable for Mookie to be at third since he was hitting Shohei at second. I didn’t want him to see Logan seated in any of those spots. Thus, that was undoubtedly the strategy there.
The Dodgers’ field coordinator, Bob Geren, who is still with the organization, taught Jansen this tactic, so it wasn’t the first time he has done it.
“I believe we both agree on that,” Jansen said. “Because it seemed like you never knew back then [before PitchCom].” They would provide many sites when we played [certain] teams.
Kenley Jansen brings the Angels major experience
Given his productivity in the major leagues and the ailments to the Angels’ relievers, Jansen’s importance to the team is undeniable. His greatest seasons were with the Dodgers, and he earned his eighth save of the season while recording a 5.40 ERA and 12 strikeouts.
Prior to brief stints with the Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves, he spent the first 12 seasons of his career with Los Angeles. In an interview with The Orange County Register, Jansen discussed his love for the Dodgers organization and his motivation at the age of 37.
“I was motivated by everyone who believed I was finished,” Jansen remarked. I must so give them all credit for helping shape who I am now. Oh, he’s finished. He’s cleaned. I’m still me at the end of the day. And I adore those doubters, and I value them. I believe I have a few more years to go, so I’m going to keep working hard and aim to achieve big things.
“I’m a Dodgers fan,” Jansen added. “I’m pleased for them. Even though I wasn’t present last year, I’m glad that if I want to watch someone win the World Series, I want them to do it because I understand how important the Dodgers were to my career.
Prior to their game against the Dodgers on Sunday, the Angels are at 19-25.
