The Dodgers' Bullpen Is an Unfettered Mess Without Closer Kenley Jansen

For the Dodgers, their bullpen has spelled anything but relief in the second half. Reeling from the loss of All-Star closer Kenley Jansen to a heart problem over the weekend, Los Angeles has found itself unable to hold leads of any size. The latest catastrophe: four runs allowed in the ninth against the Giants on Monday night to blow a 2–1 advantage and a win for Clayton Kershaw. It’s the Dodgers’ fourth straight loss and fifth in their last six games, all of which can be pinned on a relief corps that’s low on bodies or ability.

The trouble started last Thursday, when Jansen—who has a 2.15 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 54 1/3 innings—was held out of the Dodgers’ win over Colorado due to what was…