Kenley Jansen Gives Concerning Injury Update After Red Sox's Loss
By Jovan Alford
Boston Red Sox veteran closer Kenley Jansen picked up his first save of the 2024 season on Thursday night as the Red Sox won 6-4. However, the Red Sox could not use the veteran relief pitcher on Saturday night because of a back issue.
Jansen told reporters after Saturday’s game that he woke up with a bad back and tried to get ready, but it wouldn’t allow him, per Christopher Smith of Mass Live.
Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen: “I just woke up with a bad back again today. ... Tried to get ready but it wouldn’t allow me. So you’ve got to be smart. If I go out there and aggravate it, then it could be worse for a week or two. I’d rather miss one day or two so I can be back.”
— Christopher Smith (@SmittyOnMLB) March 31, 2024
The 36-year-old Jansen also said he dealt with back tightness in spring training, but reassured everyone that it is not serious.
“It’s not as worse as the one in spring training, but still I don’t think it’s smart to just go out there and pitch today and then I would be down for two weeks,” per Sean T. McGuire of NESN.
If you are a Red Sox fan, you must be concerned about Jansen’s back as you don’t want it to become a lingering issue or don’t want him to rush back soon. However, it seems like the Red Sox and Jansen are taking the right approach.
The Red Sox will hope the veteran closer is available in the bullpen for Sunday’s series finale against the Seattle Mariners after dropping the last two games.
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