Even though he kicked off his latest stint as Dodgers closer with a perfect ninth inning for his third save Tuesday, Kenley Jansen remains unowned in more than 35 percent of Fantasy leagues.
Make no mistake: Don Mattingly's decision to anoint him over Brandon League is a big deal in Fantasy. True, saves don't matter in every format, but they do in more than 65 percent. And among the pitchers getting them in the leagues where they do matter, only a handful measure up to Jansen in terms of pure stuff. My Fantasy Baseball Today colleague Nando Di Fino called him a “Chapman/Kimbrel-type guy” on Wednesday’s show.
As a part-time closer for the Dodgers last year, Jansen averaged 4.6 hits and 13.7 strikeous per nine innings. That's Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman territory. It's basically what Jason Grilli has done so far this year. And pitching for the Dodgers, a team with a strong starting rotation that has struggled offensively, Jansen's opportunities won't be in short supply.
Don't be surprised if he performs like a top-five closer the rest of the way.