Kenley Jansen's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Boston Red Sox right-handed closer Kenley Jansen (lat) said after Friday night's 3-1 win over the Chicago White Sox at Fenway Park that he's dealing with a lat issue. Jansen last pitched on Wednesday, when he allowed four earned runs on one hit while walking three and striking out one in one-third of an inning versus the New York Mets. The veteran closer was apparently unavailable on Friday night, which is why Josh Winckowski entered with a two-run lead in the ninth to pitch a clean inning to earn the first save of his career. The 36-year-old Jansen said he won't pitch again until he's past the lat issue, but it's anyone's guess when that might be, and he could very well require a trip to the injured list. It's unclear how Boston might approach the ninth inning if Jansen misses extended time, but Winckowski and Chris Martin could be the top options for fantasy managers still scrounging for saves.

Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen needed just 12 pitches to dispose of the Orioles on Friday night, throwing eight of them for strikes and notching two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning in the 12-10 victory. After a rough July, Jansen has bounced back nicely, picking up his third save this month while having yet to allow a run, a hit, or even a walk and has struck out seven batters in four-and-two-thirds innings. The 36-year-old now has 23 saves on the season with a 2.72 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and a 20.8% K-BB%. The veteran remains a top closing option and fantasy managers will hope his back issues don't creep back into the picture for the stretch run.

Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen recorded his 22nd save of the season as his club defeated the Texas Rangers 9-4. He struck out one over a 1 1/3 scoreless innings in Tuesday's victory. The veteran right-hander entered the game with two outs in the eighth inning and recorded a four-out save, retiring all four batters he faced. Jansen has been a reliable closing option all season, going 22-for-25 in save opportunities with a 2.79 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 40 games (42 IP) this season. As the 36-year-old is nearing the end of his illustrious career, he will continue to do everything he can to help the Red Sox win close games and hopefully make the postseason.