Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has continued to voice confidence in Kenley Jansen early into Spring Training, but for now the embattled closer is again facing the challenge of ironing out mechanics.
Jansen threw live batting practice Thursday, which included hitting Zach Reks with a pitch. Jansen then resorted to dry work on Friday.
“I think [Thursday] he was a little bit different in his delivery than he was in the game; he threw a live. In the game, I thought was better, so he’s trying to work on some things in the delivery,” Roberts explained.
“I think he was just a little bit out of sync. Obviously with Kenley, a big-bodied guy, it kind of happens. But he feels good.”
The Dodgers anticipate Jansen returning to Cactus League action on Sunday or Monday. “We’ll let him drive it,” Roberts noted.
Jansen has one spring appearance under his belt thus far, and it was an impressive showing. He came one strike from an immaculate inning and nonetheless picked up two strikeouts en route to retiring the side in order.
Jansen’s ability to iron out his mechanics will be key to not only the Dodgers’ success but maintaining his role as closer.
Graterol working toward spring debut
As Jansen is potentially two days from being back in a game, the Dodgers are awaiting the 2021 debut of Brusdar Graterol.
“He’s coming along really well. There were some things this winter that didn’t allow for him to get off the mound and throw as consistently as he would’ve liked coming into camp,” Roberts explained.
“Just to make sure he stays healthy, the ramp-up has been a little different for him. But he’ll be on a mound here in the next day or two.”
Roberts said Graterol did not undergo any sort of offseason surgery and only offered, “It’s just more of stuff that’s going on in our world.”
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