Things are getting weird for veteran closer Kenley Jansen, who has pitched in just nine of the Tigers’ 27 games since June 13, and only four times this July. The game’s active saves leader isn’t shying away from how he feels either, flat out saying, “I don’t like it at all,” when talking about his significantly lighter workload.
Keider Montero Is Changing Everything in the Bullpen
The reason for Jansen’s reduced role is a direct trickle-down effect from the emergence of right-hander Keider Montero. This dude has become a multi-inning leverage weapon in the Tigers’ bullpen, and manager AJ Hinch isn’t holding back from singing his praises. Hinch said, “Keider has been the one that’s triggered a little different role for a lot of different guys. That’s a compliment to Keider and not a knock on anybody. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t pay attention to how well Keider is throwing the ball and not giving the ball at the end of games.” Montero literally shut down the Angels just last Friday, pitching the final 3⅓ innings in a 2-1 win and escaping a two-on, no-out jam in the ninth. Neither Jansen nor fellow leverage reliever Kyle Finnegan even warmed up that night. Hinch made it clear: “It was (Keider’s) to win.” Montero also bagged a three-inning save against the Rangers on July 4. When a guy is dealing like that, you gotta let him ride.
The $17.75 Million Question: What’s Next For Jansen?
While Montero is shining, Jansen and Finnegan, who collectively represent $17.75 million in leverage relievers, haven’t been getting the call. Finnegan has only been in 10 games since June 13, and Jansen’s numbers are even lower. Jansen admitted, “It’s definitely been different. It’s weird.” He gets it though, knowing he wasn’t pitching well earlier in the season, even spending time on the injured list. Since returning, he’s had a tough time getting into a rhythm. From June 13, he has four saves but has allowed five runs, four earned, in 8⅔ innings. However, he hasn’t given up a run in his last four outings, covering 3⅓ innings. He knows his routine: “When you pitch more often, especially for me, I always start slow but then I get my rhythm and I cruise.” Now he just has to “find a way to get sharp and stay sharp” when his name is called.
Good news for Jansen and Finnegan is that bullpen workloads are likely to shift again soon. Montero is expected to get a start or two as Hinch plans to use a six-man rotation. Hinch has been talking with Jansen a lot, saying, “He knows there are various roles we are going to ask him to do. We signed him with the idea that he was going to have various roles.” Hinch understands Jansen wants the ball, just like every other pitcher in the pen. But as the rotation has pitched better, the bullpen hasn’t been leaned on as much, which Hinch sees as a benefit “at some point,” especially with the Tigers currently playing 13 games in 13 days out of the break. Jansen’s ready for whatever: “I can’t change his mind or change whatever he is thinking. All I’m going to do is be ready to help my team win ballgames.” That’s the mindset you need, no matter the role.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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