Los Angeles Angels closer Kenley Jansen was unable to deliver a scoreless ninth inning during Tuesday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, allowing two runs that led to a 6-4 defeat. Despite his age of 37, Jansen had appeared strong prior to the game, showcasing that he still has pitching effectiveness. However, his performance faltered when the ninth inning began tied at 4-4, influencing the outcome in a significant way.
Jansen began by striking out the first batter he faced, but things quickly went downhill as he allowed a single, hit a batter, and then issued a walk that loaded the bases. Following that, a sacrifice fly scored a run, and Jansen then gave up a double, though he managed to escape the inning when a sharp throw from Zach Neto prevented another run from scoring at home plate.
Signs of Physical Trouble During the Game
During Jansen’s difficult outing, Angels trainer Mike Frostad checked in on him after the bases were loaded, signaling concern about the pitcher’s condition. Nonetheless, Jansen reassured the team that he was fine at the moment. “He said he was OK,” Angels manager Ray Montgomery told Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.
“Wanted to make sure he was fine. He was obviously competing in the moment. Wanted to get through the inning. It was obviously a tough inning.”
Jansen Acknowledges Injury but Keeps Nature Undisclosed
After the game, Jansen confirmed he was dealing with a physical issue affecting his pitching, though he chose not to reveal the specifics. “We all deal with something,” Jansen said.
“Just gotta go through it. I’ll be fine. We just gotta take it day by day. See where we’re at. Then we’ll be out there.”
Despite this challenge, Jansen has been consistent throughout the season, pitching 47 innings with a 2.68 ERA and producing 0.5 WAR according to FanGraphs.
While some of his statistics may be helped by strong defense and a bit of luck, Jansen remains one of the Angels’ most dependable pitchers, especially in high-pressure situations.
Manager Reflects on Disappointing Outcome
Montgomery expressed his frustration over the loss, which came after the team had worked hard to get back into the game. “It’s very deflating, of course,” he said.
“Nobody quits, but, obviously we get back in the game. It’s right there. We tied it. And go to the ninth. We give it to our horse. We’re hoping to come back in in the bottom and get the victory, but it didn’t happen.”
The implication of losing the game despite using their closer highlights how pivotal Jansen’s injury and difficulties were in the loss.
Implications of Jansen’s Injury for Upcoming Games
The uncertainty surrounding Kenley Jansen’s health raises concerns for the Angels as they approach upcoming crucial matchups. Jansen’s ability to close games effectively is vital for the team’s success, so monitoring his recovery will be key in the coming days. The manager and medical team will likely continue to assess his condition closely while the team adapts to the challenges presented by his injury.