After joining the Los Angeles Dodgers organization as a catcher in 2005, Kenley Jansen made the switch to pitcher in 2009 and the rest has been history.
Wednesday evening Jansen joined an elite club, becoming just the seventh pitcher to reach 400 career saves as the Boston Red Sox defeated the Atlanta Braves 5-2.
"It's just crazy. I can say today I'm the seventh guy who did that. With baseball being around for so long, it's unbelievable. I'm just going to continue to let this keep motivating me and striving for more." Jansen stated to MLB.com's Ian Browne.
A fitting end to close out save No. 400 for Kenley Jansen.
— MLB (@MLB) May 11, 2023
(MLB x @budweiserusa) pic.twitter.com/3CNcpqOuFO
Breaking into the league as an undrafted free agent, Jansen was told that his offense would never be major league level and that he would have a better chance at the Major Leagues by switching to pitcher. Possessing a cannon of a right arm, Jansen was able to make the transition seamlessly.
— MLB Vault (@MLBVault) October 29, 2020
He caught for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic and threw out both Willy Tavares and Ryan Braun. pic.twitter.com/6BoAz6cYTa
Switching positions in 2009, Jansen got his first taste of the majors just a year later in 2010. By 2012 he had taken over as the closer for the Dodgers and would tally 350 saves for them during his ten years in Los Angeles.
With a stop in Atlanta last season and now pitching for the Red Sox, Jansen is still mowing down batters with his devastating cutter. With his highest velocity since 2018, the 35-year-old right-hander has seemed to have found something and is looking like he has another dominant run in him barring injury.
"It flashed again, My first career save I was throwing 99. And then my 400th save, it flashed again." Said Jansen
With a 0.77 ERA and going 9 for 10 on save opportunities, Jansen could be a big pickup for a contending team at the trade deadline if the Red Sox look to sell high.
Couldn't be happier for Kenley Jansen.
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) May 11, 2023
Reaches 400 saves and has nothing but gratitude for everyone that got him there. pic.twitter.com/JIozDf4xUU
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