Kenley Jansen becomes 7th player in MLB history to record 400 saves
After a scoreless inning against the Atlanta Braves, Jansen wrote his name in baseball tales
[Kenley Jansen. Pic Credit: Boston.com]
This past Wednesday night, Kenley Jansen registered his name in MLB history books. He joined an exclusive list following a scoreless ninth-inning toss at Truist Park against the Atlanta Braves. He became just the seventh pitcher in the long history of MLB to cross the 400-save mark.
The current Red Sox closer, who spent most of his time at the Los Angeles Dodgers, accomplished this feat in his side’s 5-2 win. He knew he was standing on the verge of greatness when he took the mound. He threw a 98.7 mph cutter on Wednesday, his fastest since August 2016. The 35-year-old closing pitcher called it a moment he will never forget.
Jansen has not had it easy by any means. Regular injuries and major health issues have kept him at bay for a long time. He was also diagnosed with irregular heartbeat condition. Overcoming these odds was a major hurdle, and Jansen ensured he got through it. After accomplishing this milestone, his teammates gifted him a custom bass guitar—a perfect gift for someone who is fond of playing bass.
Kenley Jansen on the path to a Hall of Fame career?
“It’s just surreal. It can’t be better coming up against the team I grew up watching, loving, and I did it today here in their stadium. My first save, I was throwing 99. And then my 400th save, it flashed today. It’s great man,” a celebratory Jansen told the media at this post-match conference. A video of his former teammates congratulating him for this milestone was played in the clubhouse.
Jansen is currently in his first season with the Red Sox. Last year he was wearing the colors of the Braves. Before all of this, he spent 12 years playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Initially, he was signed as a catcher but failed to make a cut. He was later transformed to a closing pitcher, and it worked out perfectly well for him.
The other six pitchers who have crossed his huge milestone are Billy Wagner, John Franco, Francisco Rodriguez, Lee Smith, Trevor Hoffman, and Mariano Rivera. Jansen would be looking to surpass Wagner and Franco, who are both just 22 and 24 saves ahead, respectively. If he continues to climb the ladder, Jansen could likely one day find his place in the Hall of Fame.
This season he has been unplayable. He is currently 9 for 10 in save situations. With 17 strikeouts through 11 2/3 inning, he has a staggering ERA of 0.77. In his illustrious career, Jansen has an ERA of 2.43 with a WHIP of 0.94 in over 780 innings pitch. A three-team All-star in his own rights, Jansen was a part of the 2020 Dodgers side that won the World Series.
In case you missed it:
MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz likely candidate to replace Tucker Carlson at Fox
Vinay Dave
(1779 Articles Published)