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Red Sox’ Kenley Jensen gets 100% real about facing Mike Trout, Angels

Originally posted on ClutchPoints | By Joshua Valdez | Last updated 4/15/24

Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen had the type of moment that young baseball players dream about on Sunday. With two outs and the bases loaded in the top of the ninth, the right-hander struck out the legendary Mike Trout to secure the 5-4 victory for Boston.

Jansen, who tied John Franco for fifth all-time with 424 saves, expressed his gratitude for the moment postgame, via NESN’s Gio Rivera.

“Well, he’s the best player in the game still so (I) don’t want to lose that game,” Jansen said. “… We’ve already been through a tough stretch so gotta find however to get the best hitter out and win the series. I love watching that man play, man. I don’t think we’re gonna see another player like that, ever, in my opinion.”

While Jansen’s humility is admirable, this was far from his first rodeo. The 36-year-old has been nothing short of elite throughout his career, including against Trout. How has one of Boston’s best relievers ever fared against him and the rest of the league?

Red Sox’ Jansen has historically gotten the best of Mike Trout and the majority of his opponents

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) throws the last pitch of the game striking out Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) (not pictured) to end the game in the ninth inning at Fenway Park. © David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Kenley Jansen has dominated Mike Trout more often than not, with the future Hall-of-Famer logging just one hit in 12 career at-bats against the crafty closer. Jansen’s struck him out eight times, which is particularly impressive against a career .300 hitter.

“It’s always great to face the greats,” Jansen added. “I love facing guys like that. I keep saying it. Even guys like Bryce Harper. I still like to face him. I still like to go against him.”

Jansen’s been less successful against Harper, as the Phillies’ superstar is 5-for-12 with two homers and 6 RBI against him, good for a .417 average. Jansen deserves some slack, though, as Harper doesn’t let many pitchers get the best of him over an extended period of time. Also, he tends to best the majority of hitters he faces.

Ever since Jansen became a full-time closer, he’s never had a season below 25 saves, outside of the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign. The 15th-year veteran has also had four seasons with a sub-2.00 ERA, and six with a sub-1.00 WHIP. Furthermore, he’s only blown 56 saves out of 480 total opportunities, which is just an 8.6% failure rate.

It’s easy to see why manager Alex Cora trusted him in such a difficult situation. The skipper sounded off on Jansen’s reliability post-game, via NESN.

“I bet there were half a million people out there (who) would’ve walked Mike Trout, but this guy, he’s fifth on the list of saves,” Cora said. “He’s one of the best players in the world, but we trust him. That last at-bat was a really good one for us.”

With the Red Sox now sitting at 9-7, Jansen’s already been a key contributor, earning a save in five of those wins. Look for Cora to keep calling Jansen’s number in high-leverage situations as Boston tries to stay competitive in the AL East.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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