Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen will be delayed in camp by what chief baseball officer Craig Breslow described as “general lat soreness,” as relayed by Alex Speier of the Boston Globe (X link). The four-time All-Star isn’t yet throwing, although he has been cleared to take part in other drills.
There’s nothing to suggest the issue is particularly serious or even threatens Jansen’s availability for Opening Day. It could be a small complicating factor in trade discussions that Boston has regarding the veteran righty, however. The Sox are reportedly open to offers on each of Jansen, Chris Martin and John Schreiber. Jansen’s name has been floated most frequently among that group, largely a reflection of his $16MM salary for the upcoming season. Jen McCaffrey of the Athletic reports that, as of Wednesday evening, the Sox weren’t close to a Jansen deal.
Breslow acknowledged the team could field trade interest on the veteran reliever yesterday. “Where we stand is he’s on this team, he is an All-Star-caliber closer who’s had an incredible career, and we’re happy for that,” he told reporters on Tuesday (link via Speier). “We have talented players on our team that are potentially of interest to others. But as of right now we’re excited about what he brings, what the back end of our bullpen brings, and the depth that we have down there.”
Jansen has generally avoided arm injuries throughout his career. He has had a few injured list stints over the years related to an irregular heartbeat and had a minimal IL stay last September for virus reasons. He was otherwise healthy in 2023 and pitched 51 times. In 44 2/3 innings, he worked to a 3.63 ERA. Jansen struck out 27.7% of opposing hitters and averaged 94.3 MPH on his cutter — his highest average velocity in a decade.
lat soreness < elbow tendinitis < Tommy John. Many such cases.
Well he’s always been very durable and lots of pitchers get little things popping up when they start throwing this time of year.
Rish – Let’s look at the facts.
He’s 36 years old
He pitched just 44 innings last year, by far his fewest since his 2010 rookie season (not counting the Covid shortened season)
He had by far his highest WHIP of his career last year
He had the 2nd-lowest K/9 of his career last year
He had the 2nd-highest ERA of his career last year
Maybe with Bush gone and Breslow & Company here now they can get him back on track?
I don’t see how this is relevant to what I posted. Yea…he isn’t very good anymore. He’s acceptable and at least somewhat reliable to not be plain bad overall. I mean he’s really just a guy to do decent enough in 9th so you don’t have to have relievers thinking about who is gonna be the “closer” and raising arbitration salaries and whatnot (and to have a possible trade chip).
Rish – He wasn’t durable last year, not at all. His innings pitched prove it, they certainly could have used him more.
Now if you want to say the lack of innings was on Cora, that could be. Did Cora believe Jansen was ineffective when he pitched without extra rest? We will never know unless one of them confirms it.
I don’t think that and a lat strain indicate he is injured or bound to be. Idk about why he pitched less. He missed almost 2 weeks on covid list so if not for that he’d likely be between 50-55 innings. It’s less but not a lot. He was an aging reliever with another year in his deal. Perhaps they used him accordingly or just didn’t have as many save chances
Fever – To be fair the guy went from LAD’s great field to Boston where Cora is the manager and the pitching coaches were bad enough to lose their jobs.
Unless Kenley plays 81 games in LAD rather than Fenway his numbers are going to be down but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he will be a HOF closer and would add great value to any team in the hunt for a ring.
The ball park makes a huge difference.
The manager makes a huge difference.
The pitching coaches make a huge difference.
The catchers make a huge difference.
The analytics produced and used each game make a difference.
Tons of legitimate reasons for his numbers to drop going to Boston from LAD. That’s why Ohtani and Yamamoto chose LAD. Pitcher friendly field.
Which is why he should have been dealt if there was an offer that didn’t involve paying the salary down. That said, he may not have passed the physical.
He is not A HOF closer. Not even close.
The overall defense of the team makes a difference. Fundamentals and Run prevention matters. I don’t see enough BOS games but I suspect Jansen’s usage probably was lowered to minimize chance of injury and maximize effectiveness. Bias towards not using consecutive days and only for 1 inning. This is kind of the SOP with most closers but some managers may press the envelope so to speak. Fine line in choice to use player what is better for team vs protecting player from injury. Pressure to win always. They get daily feedback from training staff and pitching coach. A deep bullpen and Co-Closers is probably a good strategy. Younger players usually have less miles on their arm and cost less
Well sure he is a HOF reliever. As is Kimbrel and possibly Chapman. Even David Robertson deserves some consideration. Soon there is going to be a wave of closers getting in. It will start with Wagner and when this group retires it will spread. Krod will probably get in one day. Relievers have always been underrepresented. We are in a phase between the relievers of old and the newer type of 70 inning relievers being eligible. The spotlight put on the closer role in this era is gonna help these guys too. There is a re-evaluation of relievers taking place slowly and the understanding that as a position (the largest one) they deserve some acknowledgement in Hall. It is hard to remain healthy pitching even out of pen for 10-20 years. 25 or so WAR is probably around the area we will see them be considered worthy. I’m not saying this is necessarily gonna happen in next 10 years but I am confident within 15-20 at least we will see this trend fully.
“which is why he should have been dealt if there was an offer”
Knowingly trading a player with a injury and not disclosing it is against the rules. Also, you’d be the most untrusted GM moving forward, just to save a couple of million dollars.
Phree – He has an excellent chance of having the 3rd-most saves in MLB history.
I think that gives him a shot at the hall.
Ya – Great post, I agree with much of what you wrote.
Usage though I disagree. Pitchers get rusty when not used on a regular basis, and closers can’t afford to shake off the rust because they are usually entering a close game.
Mariano pitched 64 innings at Age 43.
Hoffman pitched 63 innings at Age 38.
I wouldn’t mind Jansen pitching less than 50 innings, but not for $16M. You can get a decent SP that will give you 150 innings for around that same amount.
Phree4U – I guess there is no point in arguing the facts when you have such a strong wrong opinion!!! hahaha
Seriously, not even close? You must really hate the guy!!!
OK so don’t get upset but the facts STRONGLY suggest you are wrong.
As of today he has the 7th most SAVES IN HISTORY. He should pass Wagner, Franco and Francisco Rodriguez by the end of 2024 making him fourth on the list BUT he’s only 3 ahead of Kimbrel who now plays for the far superior BAL team compared to BOS. Jansen doesn’t compete with anyone for saves so IF BOS wins any close games he will get the save so expect at least 25. If he doesn’t retire after his 36 year old season and goes to play on a good team he should pass Lee Smith for 3rd place all time by 2025.
Kenley Jansen is a lock to be a HOFer unless they find him taking drugs, beating family members, dating 14 year old girls, playing fisticuffs for money or he bangs a garbage can after a spotter tells him what the next pitch is going to be.
Sorry but your initial comment was silly so it was good that you followed it up with your second comment letting everyone know you are irrational because you hate the guy.
his innings pitched was down because he was not on a winning team and therefore didn’t need to be used as much, NOT because of his health. sure he had some minor stuff here and there but he is very durable.
No? Why would a sore back indicate UCL damage? The pain’s not in his forearm or elbow. I cannot recall a single TJ instance in baseball that follows the sequence you describe.
There’s nothing of note here unless more details emerge.
Why question…Dr. uh D2323?
You do realize latissimus dorsi is a torso muscle, right?
Sounds more like he’s out of shape than needing major elbow surgery
29 GMs block Breslow’s number. Breslow is canned by May 1.
Redsox Nation is BOYCOTTING EVERYTHING REDSOX until they spend accordingly on ACEs.
Games or concessions at Fenway NO
Games or consessions at Fenway South No
Games or concessions at Salem Redsox No
Games on NESN No
Subscription to Boston Globe No
MLB Ticket streaming services No
Merchandise Definitely Not as at this point it’s embarrassing for Redsox Nation to wear them in competitive MLB. When you spend your time & money on a team Redsox Nation Built John Henry we will resume spending our time & money as well. Until then reap what you’ve sewn. Taking top dollars from us for little in return demonstrates your complete lack of respect for those fans & families who built this Redsox Nation & Team over 124 years and many generations. Good Day Sir
Just Great.
And Boston has been trying to trade him this winter, oof.
No way he gets traded now, at least early on
I wanted Hoyer to see about getting him but now with this, I think I’d rather the Cubs take a look at Martin instead. Breslow’s window to trade Kenley is pretty much closed with this news, just my two cents.
Is it “lat soreness” or he just doesn’t want to start packing boxes?
Jansen trying to discourage any trade potential.
Because he really wants to play for a last place team?
Exactly my thought. Although Boston could be appealing. If he wants to win, he’ll want to get traded. I wouldn’t rule the Sox out now but other teams have better chances
How do the Red Sox finish higher than 5th in the AL East this year?
Unless one of the other 4 clubs has catastrophic injuries and horribly bad luck I don’t see how the Sox don’t.
It really takes the changes Breslow has made in the pitching regimen and the strategic partners like boddy he brought in.
If they pay dividends with the staff, and if Yoshida stays off the field while casas and grissom both surprise and improve their defense greatly, then there is a chance.
GASox – I agree. I am a firm believer in “Never say never”.
If Casas & Yoshida each put up a .900 OPS for an entire season.
If Bello finally lives up to his potential.
If Whitlock and Houck can stay healthy.
If Pivetta can pitch like he did the second half of last year.
If Crawford can simply duplicate his 2023 performance.
If Devers can revert back to 2019 or 2021 form.
If O’Neill can revert back to 2021 form.
If Martin can duplicate last season.
If Story can stay healthy and hit his weight.
If Grissom and Abreu can live up to the hype.
And if Gio can revert back to 2021 form.
Then the Sox just might stay in the playoff chase after Labor Day.
I guess we could add to the list that Cora stays out of his own way while we’re at it….
Fever, so many IFs. Turn it around to FI. F — it…
Fever – Sorry but that’s not even close to right because the assumption is Devers is at 3B so they are not eligible for the playoffs with the worst or second worst defense in the MLB.
Devers also counted on the guys around him and got spoiled in his first 6 years. Now, with nobody around him, his 2023 numbers may be a high water point not a low water point as was expected when he signed the ridiculous contract.
So if 10 to 12 things go exactly as you have documented then they could make the playoffs? Again, Devers is the wrench in that hypothesis.
dewey – Haha ….. if you remember, I made a similar list a year ago. They are not predictions, they are just realistic possibilities. And the team was looking darn good until they got torpedoed with injuries and management’s refusal to acquire any impact players at the deadline.
TF – Haha! I get what you’re saying, but please keep in mind the Sox made the playoffs 3 times (including 2 ALCS and 1 World Championship) with Devers as the starting 3B.
So it can be done! Story is a great enough defender to cover up for some of Devers’ miscues.
Fever – Correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t they do that with DD at the helm? Have they come close since? NOPE.
The reason why is DD assembled a great team that overcame Devers defense with a monster, monster offense and some very good pitching. NONE of the exists today and even with your list you still have no Betts, Benny, JD or Bogey surrounding the guy to make sure they can score more runs than Devers allows.
Story CAN NOT cover up for Devers because BOGEY who is and always has been better than STORY couldn’t cover up Devers errors. He paid for Devers errors by a mistakenly low range factor thanks to the lack of preciseness of modern metrics.
NOPE …. Sorry the list is a pipe dream now. There is no foundation to build off of. Give the youngsters a few years to turn into all-stars and there might be a list that will work but as of today, your list is a pipe dream. Sorry to bear the bad news.
THERE IS NO HOPE!!!
Troll: Finally someone else says Bogeys is better than Story. In my opinion that was the second worst move they made by not locking him up a few years before his contract expired. I thought he was basically the silent leader of club house.
B dog – His metrics were always screwed by Devers ranging too far to his left limiting Bogey’s range. He was a top fielder at SS using normal measures. Plus, he was a lot better hitter than Story. I think had they given him an extension after the 2018 season for 3 years at $25MM he would have taken it. Once lost DD they lost any chance of signing him just like with Mookie and JD.
TF – in 2019 Bogey DID do an extension with DD, that was the 6 yr, 20m/yr 2020-25, with the opt out, and, a vesting option @20m for an additional season in 26.
maybe it’s just me but if i’m so determined to argue that my team sucks i wouldn’t enjoy it as much
“THERE IS NO HOPE!!!” made me laugh
TF – Yes, what I’m saying is with the right players they CAN win another championship with Devers at 3B. That’s the beauty of baseball, one or two players can’t carry a team or sink a team all by themselves.
Heidi Watney once told me anything is possible …. I can’t say she’s wrong!
The Sox have a new pitching coach and infield coach, and Cora is managing for a new contract …. yes it’s that time of year when ya gotta believe!
TF – You know Xander is my man and I was one of the few who hated the Story signing from Day 1 …, but Xander better defensively than Story?
Did you hear Xander has already moved to 2B in SD?
lets – He’s just adding some levity, which I appreciate.
It’s been a really crappy offseason, and really crappy 5 years for that matter. TF lightens up the mood and puts a smile on our face, I think he’s fantastic!
GA – That’s right. I fully expected DD at the opt out to up the next 3 years by at least $5MM for his performance.
Fever: Maybe I am biased because Bogey was favorite. I think him and Story are close defensively flip a coin. Story would most likely be at second base on most clubs now .
letsgo – Should I call you Einstein? Wow does it seem like I enjoy it so much?
What’s funny about there is no hope?
It’s a low point not a happy point.
Fever – YOU NAME DROPPER!!!!! Wow!!! One of my favorites!!
I simply don’t believe with this ownership, Cora, and Breslow that this team can EVER come close to the talent on the 2018 team. It’s a monster tribute to that team that they won with the BUTCHER OF BOSTON at 3B. Massive kudos. Remarkable achievement!!! NEVER TO BE REPEATED!!!!
The pitching coach won’t turn this team around. Heck, the pitching of the young guys wasn’t that bad and we already gave away our guy with the best ceiling. Nope, you have crossed the line from reality to fantasy.
Fever – I think if Story can field as well on his next 1800 total chances you could argue they are comparable.
Kim got accolades as a “utility” infielder GG winner. What’s not well known is that his fielding percentage at SS was 20 points lower than at 2B so his .978 in 600 chances should be compared to Bogey’s .979 in 5100 chances.
It’s like declaring Acuna better than Babe Ruth because he had one great season. Fool hardy move in SD but hey they are known for them. Hope the new angle of throw doesn’t hurt Bogey’s arm.
Fever – You make me blush!!! hahaha
lets has issues with reality. That’s on him not me.
Honestly, anything can happen. It doesn’t seem probable but neither was 2021.
Win more games than one of the other four teams. Duh…
Cincy, flip the standings upside down…
$16M price tag, possibility of lost time, or even a lost season, yeah, if I were Red Sox management I’d be holding my breath just a bit–regardless of whether they intend to keep him or trade him
Jumping to “possibility of a lost season” from this report is crazy
Soreness in mid-February is a lost season?
Mike
“$16M price tag, possibility of lost time, or even a lost season, yeah, if I were Red Sox management I’d be holding my breath just a bit–regardless of whether they intend to keep him or trade him”
Exhibit A for why I think people are full of it (shh ..) when they say there’s 3 rather win one championship in ten years then suck for nine than be good for 10 but not win
The Red Sox don’t even suck but their fans are so grumpy and negative
Yup there goes our chance to to trade Jansen. If we are all about shredding payroll and building a great farm system then all about trading the guys that can net us a good return of younger prospects near ML ready. My suggestion would be Jansen, Martin and Devers for think those three would yield the biggest haul. This team is at best 74-88. Why not unload and hope we can be the 2023 Orioles in a few Years. Jmo
The determination of Red Sox fans to be miserable really is remarkable
Who is going to trade for Devers with all that money for a DH?
Devers is un-tradable with that contract.
No one we are stuck with him just wished we was able to
Someone who sends back a VERY bad contract or two, and, demands one of the red sox top 100 plus 2 more org top 20s in exchange for a lottery ticket
Yeah, I would rather keep Devers.
Lets be fair to Devers (wow I bet nobody saw that coming!!)
As a DH he’s expensive but could provide $25MM of value during his good years, $20MM in his average years and $15MM in his bad years. Overall, during the next 10 seasons I think there will be 4 good years, 2 average years and 4 bad years. Once he hits 33 I don’t think he’ll return $15MM of value per season after that. Look at how Miggy, Pujols and other guys who made the majors in their teens did after 32.
If he plays 3B, his value drops by $5MM per year for his defense. Good years are worth $20MM instead of $25MM and so on. So the sooner he moves to DH the sooner he”ll start earning something closer to what he is being paid.
That’s why I wanted the Devers for Arenado deal. Shorter term for Arenado. Similar money with Devers costing slightly more but is half a decade younger. When Arenado gets old his contract will be ending. When Devers gets too old he’ll have 3 or 4 more years left, possibly more!!
Uh oh spaghetti
… oh.
“Nothing to suggest the injury is serious or threatens his status for opening day”…
And I am certain that teams thinking about trading for Kenley fully accept that statement —-NOT!
You know your soreness is serious when it has obtained the ranking of General
Why do all these injuries happen right before spring training starts? These players have been off for almost five months – more than enough time to get/stay in shape – now we’re stuck with a guy we could’ve/should’ve traded weeks ago. It sucks!
Couldn’t t agree more a simple exercise would have been all it took for Jansen. He don’t want to pitch on a last place team though on the other hand so i am lost
Guess he’s gonna get a lat start to Spring Training.
I’ve been dealing with general knee soreness for 30 years.
Rub some dirt on it and get out there!
That was the name of our leader when I was in the Army.
“There’s nothing to suggest the issue is particularly serious or even threatens Jansen’s availability for Opening Day. It could be a small complicating factor in trade discussions that Boston has regarding the veteran righty, however.”
Small? Right. No sane GM would touch him with a barge pole right now unless the trade price was a bag of used jock straps and the Red Sox agreed to pick up $16 million in salary.
Particularly with an UCL sprain. That’s either months of rest then rehab or TJ. They’re stuck with him now for sure. Unless they pay his entire contract by sending money in a deal to a contender like Texas, LA or Atlanta, who seem to be collecting closers/former closers. They might figure that they can afford to stash him…..I highly doubt it though.
FYI – Don’t worry about Jansen’s health. He’s covered under AARP.
In the last week some Big Dr got into trouble for accepting to make false reports of injuries just to help some teams make moves on rosters… well o don’t believe this injury is real for me it’s another excuse by our Red Sox big office just to add a no big name to the team and also make us believe because of that can’t sing Montgomery, simple another lie. ” FULL THROTTLE “
Somebody (a coach) got in trouble recently for lying about injuries. I wanna say it was football tho. Could be the same doctor you’re talking about though. If a doctor was involved by making the diagnosis. I just read the headline, lol.
can anyone tell me where this season’s Red Sox services are being held, I want to send flowers in this time of sadness.
You’re correct on the outcome but the date is yet in the future. Mid August oughta do it.
Yankee – I loved the comment!!! Is it proper etiquette to send flowers or chocolates to the team that finishes right in front of the cellar team? haha
in lieu of flowers we prefer you make a charitable donation to the non-profit 2004 recovery program. There are still some Yankee fans struggling with the outcome.
They shudda traded him. Now they’re stuck with him.
Not disclosing the injury is against the rules before a trade. And is a great way to become the young GM no one trusts. And for What? To a save a few million.
If you tell the other team, you get next to nothing.
Best to go real slow with him early in the season and trade at All-Star Break. If he stays relatively healthy and has a couple of good months, he could get a nice return.
APBA – That’s right. He’s not dying and he’s a top end closer. One closer going down creates a market for him and a decent return assuming Breslow can do what Bloom couldn’t.
Check the list of teams that don’t have a closer comparable to Jansen.
PHILLIES – Alvarado
TEXAS – Leclerc and Robertson
Contenders who would need him if their closer went down:
ATLANTA – Iglesias
BALTIMORE – Kimbrel
LA DODGERS – Phillips
MILWAUKEE – Williams
TORONTO – Romano
NY YANKEES – Holmes
Trading in division is NOT likely but the others are all significantly better than their back-ups that Jansen would be a great alternative from the ROOKIE GM and last place team.
What was written up as a lat issue somehow got translated to TJ surgery by folks on the website. Did I miss something? Was there another injury reported?
The lats are NOT on your arm or elbow specifically so why would TJ surgery be a result?
This is the type of injury pitchers get when you strain your BACK not arm. Hitters get it when they swing improperly. It’s recovery time is usually based on the degree of the stain. If it’s a light strain, he’ll be ready by opening day. If it’s a strain like Mondesi had multiple times he could miss a major portion of the season.
What’s certain is Jansen is now more likely to be moved at the trade deadline rather than Spring Training if the report of his injury is true.
I’m sore. I’ll get better if you give me more money or if you trade me. Understand?
Fever – Did you see DD got Merrifield? Quality depth. He is better than most of our starters. $8MM. We paid $17MM for Grissom. and his control years. Can you imagine having an infield of:
C – Realmuto
1B – Harper
2B – Stott
SS – Trea Turner
3B – Bohm
MI back-up Merrifield
CI back-up E Sosa
With an OF of Schwarber, Castellanos, Marsh with Merrifield also a back-up OF
I remember when DD built a team like this one in Boston.
Gosh we are lucky to have Breslow and Bloom!!!
Redsox Nation is BOYCOTTING EVERYTHING REDSOX until they spend accordingly on ACEs.
Games or concessions at Fenway NO
Games or consessions at Fenway South No
Games or concessions at Salem Redsox No
Games on NESN No
Subscription to Boston Globe No
MLB Ticket streaming services No
Merchandise Definitely Not as at this point it’s embarrassing for Redsox Nation to wear them in competitive MLB. When you spend your time & money on a team Redsox Nation Built John Henry we will resume spending our time & money as well. Until then reap what you’ve sewn. Taking top dollars from us for little in return demonstrates your complete lack of respect for those fans & families who built this Redsox Nation & Team over 124 years and many generations. Good Day Sir
so you speak for all of red sox nation now? go do something that might actually have an impact like picketing in front of fenway park instead of ranting on a message board that no one from the red sox management or ownership probably knows about let alone reads.