Kenley Jansen replacing Javy Guerra as Dodgers closer

By Dylan Hernandez

May 7, 2012 12 AM PT

Kenley Jansen will replace Javy Guerra as the Dodgers’ closer, Manager Don Mattingly announced before his team’s series opener against the San Francisco Giants on Monday.

“It’s not a move you want to make,” Mattingly said.

In his last five appearances, Guerra was 0-2 and has blown two of this three save opportunities. His earned-run average in that span was 13.50.

“I still have a lot of confidence,” Guerra said. “Right now, we have to win ballgames. I’ll take the blame for five or six games. It’s my fault. I can’t blame anyone.”

Mattingly said Guerra was understanding when he informed him of the decision earlier in the day.

Jansen is 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in 16 appearances. He has 27 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings, an average of 14.6 strikeouts per nine innings. Jansen averaged 16.1 strikeouts per nine innings last year to set an all-time major league record.

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Kenley Jansen replacing Javy Guerra as Dodgers closer