Casey Janssen, a right-handed pitcher, spent the majority of his Major League Baseball career with the Toronto Blue Jays. Born on September 17, 1981, in Orange, California, Janssen attended UCLA, where he played college baseball for the Bruins. His performance at UCLA caught the attention of MLB scouts, and he was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the fourth round of the 2004 MLB Draft.
Janssen made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays on April 27, 2006. Initially, he was utilized as a starting pitcher, but his role evolved over time. In his rookie season, he appeared in 19 games, starting 17 of them. However, his transition to the bullpen in subsequent seasons proved to be a turning point in his career. The shift allowed him to find his niche as a relief pitcher, where he demonstrated consistency and reliability.
The 2011 season marked a significant change for Janssen as he became an integral part of the Blue Jays' bullpen. He posted a 2.26 ERA over 55.2 innings, showcasing his ability to handle high-pressure situations. His performance earned him the role of the team's closer in 2012 after an injury to Sergio Santos. Janssen excelled in this new role, recording 22 saves with a 2.54 ERA, solidifying his position as the Blue Jays' primary closer.
Janssen's success continued in 2013, a year in which he recorded 34 saves and maintained a 2.56 ERA. His ability to effectively close games was a valuable asset to the Blue Jays, and he became known for his calm demeanor on the mound. Despite battling shoulder issues, he managed to maintain his performance level, earning the trust of his teammates and coaches.
In 2014, Janssen's performance saw some fluctuations, partly due to lingering health concerns. He finished the season with 25 saves and a 3.94 ERA. Following the conclusion of the 2014 season, Janssen entered free agency and subsequently signed a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals in February 2015.
During his tenure with the Nationals, Janssen served as a setup man rather than a closer. He appeared in 48 games, posting a 4.95 ERA over 40 innings. His time with the Nationals marked the end of his MLB playing career, as he did not sign with another team after the 2015 season.
Throughout his career, Janssen was known for his effective use of a four-seam fastball, cutter, and curveball. His ability to adapt from a starting pitcher to a reliable closer demonstrated his versatility on the mound. While his career may not have been filled with accolades or awards, Janssen's steady presence in the bullpen provided stability for the teams he played for.
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