Kenley Jansen Celebrates Dodgers’ World Series Win Amid Personal Struggles

LOS ANGELES, CA — Kenley Jansen, a relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, expressed joy over the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ recent victory in the 2024 World Series. Jansen, who played for the Dodgers from 2010 to 2021, shared his feelings in an interview with the Orange County Register.

“I love the Dodgers,” Jansen said. “I’m happy for them. I’m happy that, even though I wasn’t there last year, if I want to see anyone win the World Series, I want to see them win the World Series, because I know what the Dodgers meant to me in my career. I have nothing but respect for them.”

Signed as a free agent in 2004, Jansen was transitioned from a catcher to a relief pitcher. He gained recognition during his time with the Dodgers, earning All-Star honors from 2016 to 2018. Throughout his stint, Jansen made 701 appearances and maintained an impressive 2.37 ERA.

In 2020, he was part of the Dodgers’ World Series-winning team but faced challenges during the playoffs, including a blown save in Game 4 and a game-winning run allowed in Game 5. Jansen left the Dodgers after the 2021 season due to a failed contract renewal.

Currently, Jansen is struggling with the Angels, who have the worst bullpen ERA in Major League Baseball at 6.91 for the season. Jansen, holding a record of 0-2, has a 6.00 ERA with 12 strikeouts across 12 innings pitched. This year’s four home runs allowed have matched his total from the previous year but in significantly fewer innings pitched.

On Friday, Jansen returned to Dodger Stadium in an Angels uniform for the first time, successfully securing the final three outs in the Angels’ 6-2 victory over the Dodgers.