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Eric Gagne, Kenley Jansen took different paths to closer's role

LOS ANGELES >> Kenley Jansen went into the bullpen kicking and screaming and contemplating retirement.

Eric Gagne went into the bullpen jumping for joy.

They ultimately wound up sharing the record for most career saves in Dodger history until Monday, when Jansen collected the 162nd save of his career. Gagne spoke with Jansen by phone after the game, then drove up from San Diego Tuesday to offer his congratulations in person.

“It was just a matter of time,” Gagne said. “He is the best closer in Dodger history.”

The passing of the torch offered an instructive lesson, as both Gagne and Jansen had to be patient for their moment.