Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Kenley Jansen. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen had to leave the mound on Friday night but Alex Cora had a simple, relieving explanation for the exit.
With Opening Day quickly coming up, watching Kenley Jansen leave the mound with a problem in the ninth inning was the last thing Red Sox fans wanted.
The good news? The closer apparently doesn’t have a serious problem. Any panic felt in the moment was unnecessary.
After the game, Alex Cora told reporters that Jansen was dealing with some lightheadedness.
“He should be fine,” Cora said, per Tom Caron of NESN.
Kenley Jansen injury update: Red Sox reliever left with lightheadedness
The entire Red Sox fanbase just heaved a huge sigh of relief. An injury to Jansen this close to the start of the season would have been a big problem. Instead, it sounds like there’s no need to worry.
Jansen played for the Braves last season, posting 41 saves, which tied a career high. He had spent the prior 12 years of his career with the Dodgers, going to three All-Star games and winning the World Series in 2020.
Now he’s in Boston and hoping to keep turning back the years and making an impact at 35 years old. Obviously, being able to stay on the mound is key.
Opening Day for the Red Sox on Mar. 30 against the Orioles. Then they can begin trying to make things right after missing the playoffs and finishing in the basement of the AL East last year.