LOS ANGELES — Kenley JansenAs a member the Dodger Stadium Dodger Stadium team, I entered Tuesday’s ninth to end a game. Atlanta Braves. His last appearance was Freddie FreemanYou are now a member Los Angeles Dodgers.
Jansen could not help but smile at the thought.
Jansen exclaimed, “That’s weird and terrible,” following the Braves 3-1 win. It was Jansen’s 186th career regular season save from Dodger Stadium. “I’ve met that guy so many time in all those Braves Series. It’s now vice versa. Yeah, it’s crazy, man. It’s amazing how crazy the game is right now. It’s still fun.
Jansen, like Freeman, had his sights set on the Dodgers this offseason. But, things changed quickly after the lockout was lifted in the middle of March.
Alex Anthopoulos, Braves general manager, reportedly refused an ultimatum from Freeman and instead traded Matt OlsonThe Dodgers signed Freeman to a $62 million, six-year contract on March 16. The deal placed the Dodgers in a position to surpass the fourth-tier luxury tax threshold. Jansen was forced to reduce his salary in order to fit the budget. Jansen was offered $16 million for one year by the Braves. Jansen needed an immediate answer. Jansen decided to leave the Dodgers and join the Curacao team that he grew to love on March 18.
Although a small section of the sold-out Dodger Stadium crowd initially cheered Jansen as he entered from right-field’s bullpen, most people who remained were soon able to stand and clap their hands. Jansen’s “California Love”, his signature entrance song, received mixed reactions.
Jansen stated that it’s now all about business. “I’m happy to win for my team. That’s exactly what I did. It’s okay. There are no hard feelings. I will always love them. They will always be in my heart.”
Jansen was honored with a video tribute just minutes before Monday’s first pitch. He then walked onto the field with his family, his wife, and two of their children to collect mementos from Dave Roberts, third baseman, for his first career save. Justin TurnerAndrew Friedman, president of baseball operations.
The 34-year old right-hander acknowledged that his adrenaline was high for his first match against longtime teammates. However, he was able keep his emotions in check when the rubber finally fell Tuesday. Will Smith, Mookie BettsOrder and Freeman
Jansen has worked hard to maintain his focus.
“I’m just locked down — right here, right then,” he stated. It’s a great thing. Simply be present. Just be present in the moment. Even though this moment was filled with emotions, it was one that I really enjoyed. I enjoyed being out there.”