Dodgers' 2021 Closing Pitchers: A Deep Dive

Hey baseball fanatics! Let's dive deep into the bullpen of the Los Angeles Dodgers and specifically, the closing pitchers from their 2021 season. We're talking about the guys who took the mound in the ninth inning, with the pressure cranked up to eleven, aiming to shut the door on the opposing team and secure a victory. It’s a high-stakes role, requiring nerves of steel, a wicked repertoire of pitches, and the ability to thrive under immense pressure. We'll explore who held down this crucial position, their performances, and how they contributed to the team's overall success (or struggles) during that particular season. Get ready for a breakdown of saves, blown saves, ERAs, and all the juicy details that make up the life of a closer. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it, right? So, let's break down the closers of the Dodgers from the 2021 season and assess their impact on the team! Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the Dodgers' bullpen from the 2021 season, focusing on the guys who were entrusted with the high-pressure role of closing out games. This role is far from simple, you know. It requires a unique blend of physical talent, mental fortitude, and the ability to perform under the most intense scrutiny. The closer is often the last line of defense, the guy who comes in when the game is on the line, and the fate of the team hangs in the balance. So, let's explore who handled this responsibility for the Dodgers in 2021 and what their contributions were. Remember, the bullpen, especially the closer role, can be a volatile position in baseball. Performances can fluctuate wildly, and even the best closers have their share of struggles. It's a game of inches, and a single mistake can change the entire complexion of a game. So, let's see how the Dodgers' closers fared in the high-pressure environment of the 2021 season!

The Primary Closer: Kenley Jansen

Alright, let's start with the big name: Kenley Jansen. For years, Jansen was synonymous with the Dodgers' closer role. His signature cutter was a nightmare for opposing hitters, and he racked up saves like they were going out of style. In the 2021 season, Jansen was still the primary closer for the Dodgers, and he took the mound in the ninth inning in many crucial games. He was a veteran presence, a steady hand in the bullpen, and a guy the team and the fans trusted to get the job done. That cutter, oh man, it was a thing of beauty. But, just because he was a proven closer, doesn't mean it was smooth sailing all the way. While Jansen had his moments of brilliance, he also faced his share of challenges. The game of baseball is not always kind. We're talking about consistency, velocity, and the constant pressure of living up to expectations. The expectations were high, and the scrutiny was intense, but that's part of the job description for a closer. His performance was crucial to the Dodgers' success, and understanding his role is essential to understanding their season. Let’s not forget the importance of his leadership and experience. Having a veteran presence in the bullpen, especially in the high-pressure role of closer, is invaluable. He provided a sense of calm and stability, and his experience helped guide younger pitchers in the bullpen. In 2021, Jansen recorded 38 saves which is no small feat in any baseball season! Plus, he had an ERA of 2.22. That's a good showing for any closer. Even the best closers have a tough outing from time to time, but on the whole, Jansen was the guy the Dodgers leaned on when they needed a save.

Analyzing Jansen's Performance

We need to dig deeper! While the number of saves is a good metric, let's look at the complete picture. Jansen's ERA, walks and hits per inning pitched (WHIP), and strikeout-to-walk ratio tell the real story. His WHIP was 1.049. This means that he did a good job of keeping runners off base. Even if he did a great job of keeping runners off base, it’s not always the whole story. Jansen's strikeout numbers were down a bit compared to his peak years, which meant he relied more on contact and trusting his defense. That can be a riskier strategy. In general, Jansen had a pretty good season, but there were signs that he wasn’t quite the dominant force he was in his prime. This is natural for any player, especially as they get older, but it's an important factor to consider when evaluating his performance. He was still very effective, and he delivered in many key situations. We have to give him credit for his experience. The mental game is just as important as the physical skills in a high-pressure role like closing. His leadership in the bullpen and his ability to stay composed under pressure were invaluable to the team. Jansen’s impact on the Dodgers was immense. His presence gave the team a boost of confidence. He had a great career. But, even the best closers can't be perfect all the time. There were times when Jansen struggled, and he gave up some crucial runs. Still, those moments shouldn't overshadow the overall impact that he had on the team. He was still a top-tier closer in the league, and the Dodgers were fortunate to have him!

Other Bullpen Contributors

Besides Jansen, the Dodgers had some other guys who pitched in the closing role at various points. This is where it gets interesting, as bullpens are fluid things, especially during the long baseball season. Managers constantly adjust to matchups, injuries, and performance. You'll often see several pitchers getting opportunities to close games, depending on the situation. Some relievers stepped up, showing they could handle the pressure of the ninth inning. Several pitchers had a chance to close games, so let's see which pitchers stepped up when Kenley wasn't available! The depth of the bullpen is so important. A strong bullpen provides a safety net and allows the manager to make strategic decisions. Let’s check out those guys!

Blake Treinen

Blake Treinen was a key member of the Dodgers' bullpen. He wasn't the primary closer, but he had a few saves and pitched in many high-leverage situations. Treinen has a wicked sinker and slider. He's good at missing bats, and he limits hard contact. He provides the same stability and consistency that Jansen does. Treinen was a reliable reliever and could often be trusted to close out games if Jansen wasn’t available. He was a valuable asset to the Dodgers' bullpen.

Joe Kelly

Joe Kelly is a player you want on your team. He's fiery, he's competitive, and he can pitch. Kelly was a versatile arm who could pitch in various roles. He had a few opportunities to close games in 2021. He brings the energy. He has great stuff and he is a competitor. This can be critical to a team's success.

Brusdar Graterol

Brusdar Graterol, aka