Kenley Jansen dealing with ailment to open spring training; calls injury a 'non-issue'
Red Sox’ pitchers and catchers reported to camp on Wednesday to officially begin spring training.
All-Star closer Kenley Jansen has arrived to Fort Myers and is already dealing with “general lat soreness,” according to chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.
Jansen is not expected to take part in any drills on Wednesday. While meeting with reporters at JetBlue Park, Jansen said his lat is “fine” and the time missed is more a precaution than anything. The veteran closer thinks that he will begin throwing again in about a week.
The team has reportedly been shopping Jansen all offseason, but were unable to offload his contract before the camp began.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal joined MassLive’s Chris Cotillo on the “Fenway Rundown” podcast at the end of January and discussed what Boston could realistically acquire back for Jansen.
“I would imagine you get a mid-level prospect for Kenley Jansen because, keep in mind, the team is taking on 16 million. That gets him. That’s his salary. Now granted at the Red Sox pay half, they get a better prospect. We know how that works,” Rosenthal said.
Jansen told reporters that he’s been aware of the rumors and is trying to keep his mind off the distraction.
“Just keep my mind off it. … This is where I’m at right now. I’m always going to invest my time wherever I am,” said Jansen.
The Red Sox signed the four-time All-Star closer to a two-year, $32 million deal. Jansen posted a 3.63 ERA with 52 strikeouts, 29 saves, .237 batting average against and a 1.28 WHIP in 44 2/3 innings pitched across 51 games last season.
