After the Los Angeles Dodgers implemented an abbreviated Spring Training in 2018 that aimed to keep Kenley Jansen fresh for the long haul of the season, only for it to backfire, he vowed to pitch more regularly in camp this year.
Despite that, however, Jansen dealt with more struggles throughout 2019. His velocity remained a tick lower when compared to previous seasons, and his command waned. After months of failing to find a solution, the Dodgers committed to pitching Jansen at least once per series — even in non-save situations.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the change in approach was not to remove Jansen from his role as closer but rather to exhaust all options in getting him back on track for the postseason.