Jansen on paternity leave, White recalled

Jansens celebrate today’s birth of their daughter

LOS ANGELES — Manager Dave Roberts told the media this morning that Kenley and Gianna Jansen had celebrated the birth of their daughter Key’Gia Keziah Jansen this morning and he would placed on paternity leave for the next two days. Right-handed pitcher Mitch White was recalled to replace Jansen on the roster.

Given that Jansen had just pitched three consecutive games, this was a convenient move for the team and Jansen. When asked if this was part of some master plan, Roberts noted that both Kenley and Gianna were experienced in this area and that the birth was going to be either today or tomorrow.

Along with Jansen, Blake Treinen will not be available for at least today. Roberts did not know who would be closing today.

Max Scherzer looks to join 3000 strikeout club

Roberts spoke about Scherzer reaching this milestone and said it was something that Scherzer’s family was excited about but he knew Scherzer would be focused on helping the Dodgers win today’s game.

There are currently 18 pitchers who have recorded 3000 or more strikeouts in their career. The most recent pitcher to reach that mark was Justin Verlander on September 28, 2019.

The “Big Train” aka Walter Johnson was the first pitcher to reach 3000 strikeouts and his career total of 3509 strikeouts was the top mark until Nolan Ryan passed him in 1983.

When Scherzer records his 3000th strikeout, he would become the third 3000 strikeout pitcher to wear a Dodger uniform. Don Sutton, who reached 3000 strikeouts in 1983 as a Milwaukee Brewer, pitched for the 1988 Dodgers and his final 44 strikeouts completed his 3574 career total.

Greg Maddux had already topped 3000 strikeouts in 2005 as a Chicago Cub. Maddux pitched for both the 2006 and 2008 Dodgers. His final 18 strikeouts in 2008 would complete his career total of 3371 strikeouts.

Chris Taylor is showing slight improvement with his neck injury

Roberts said he does not when he will return, they are holding off in placing him on the IL for now.

The injury impedes his swing and while Taylor did not indicate when it occurred, Roberts said it might go back a week to ten days.

Will Smith is playing today’s game after a night game

Roberts noted that while it was usual for Smith to sit after a night game, he felt the last two night games have had mild weather and he wanted him all three games this weekend.

Also, Austin Barnes will catch Clayton Kershaw’s first start in over two months on Monday night against the Diamondbacks so Smith will not start that game. Roberts does expect Smith to start the final two games of that series and then the Dodgers are traveling on Thursday.