Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Jansen (back) is still being evaluated ahead of Sunday's series finale against the Mariners, and the closer's availability has yet to be determined, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jansen was unavailable to pitch Saturday due to back tightness, and it remains unclear if he'll be ready to go Sunday. The Red Sox seem likely to be cautious with the 36-year-old early in the season, especially since he had limited reps during spring training due to lat and back issues. Should Jansen be unavailable, Chris Martin is the favorite to fill in should a save chance arise.

Jansen was unavailable to pitch Saturday night against the Mariners due to a tight back, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Jansen unavailable to pitch, the combination of Joely Rodriguez and Justin Slaten were unable to hold a two-run lead, with the Mariners walking it off in the bottom of the 10th.

Jansen earned a save against the Mariners on Thursday, issuing one walk and striking out two batters in a scoreless inning.

EDGE Analysis

Jansen entered in the ninth inning with Boston holding a two-run lead and worked around a leadoff walk to close out the victory. The veteran closer missed most of spring training due to separate lat and back injuries, but that didn't prevent him from getting the call on Opening Day. Jansen's recent campaigns haven't been quite as dominant as his peak years with the Dodgers, but he's recorded 70 saves over the past two seasons and is locked in as Boston's closer as he pushes toward becoming the fourth pitcher in MLB history to reach 450 career saves.

Jansen struck out one over a scoreless inning in Tuesday's exhibition game against the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Jansen, who was bothered by back issues this spring, made just four appearances with the final 12 days of spring training. He expects to be ready to go for the regular season.

Jansen (back) felt good after his Grapefruit League appearance Thursday and expects to be ready for Opening Day, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jansen made just his second appearance of the spring Thursday, as he's been hampered by both back and lat issues. Despite that, he plans to be available on Opening Day, and he should be locked into the closer role. The Red Sox could be careful with his usage early in the campaign, however. Jansen pitched well Thursday, completing one scoreless inning while throwing nine of his 13 pitches for strikes.

Jansen (back) threw one scoreless inning without allowing a baserunner in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles,Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jansen has been slowed by both back and lat issues this spring, with Thursday's outing marking just his second of the exhibition season. Nevertheless, the veteran right-hander was sharp, as nine of his 13 pitches went for strikes. It is not yet clear whether Jansen will be ramped up in time for the regular season.

Jansen (back) is scheduled to pitch for the Red Sox in Thursday's Grapefruit League contest versus the Orioles, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jansen has had to be scratched from each of his last two scheduled appearances due to lower-back stiffness, so Thursday's outing should be considered tentative. The veteran closer has been limited to just one outing this spring, having previous dealt with a lat issue. Jansen hopes to ramp up in time for Opening Day, but it will be close.

Jansen's (back) next Grapefruit League appearance won't come until at least Thursday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jansen keeps getting pushed back as he deals with a bout of lower-back stiffness. He's been limited to just one appearance this spring, having previously dealt with a lat issue. While the Red Sox are not ruling out the veteran closer for Opening Day, a trip to the injured list for Jansen is looking increasingly likely. Setup man Chris Martin (groin) is also banged up, although he pitched in a minor-league game Tuesday and looks to be trending in the right direction.

Jansen has been scratched from a scheduled appearance again Tuesday due to ongoing back tightness, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's the second day in a row that Jansen wasn't able to pitch as scheduled because of a nagging lower-back issue. The hope is that he will be able to make an appearance Wednesday. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday of Jansen's Opening Day availability that "we still have time, but we're running out of time." Chris Martin (groin) would be next in line to close if Jansen isn't ready, although he's banged up himself.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Monday that Jansen (back) will make an appearance Tuesday against the Rays, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jansen was scratched from a scheduled outing Monday with lower-back tightness, but he'll wind up being pushed back just one day. Cora noted that the closer is "running out of time" in order to be ready for Opening Day and can't afford any more hiccups. Jansen has been limited to just one appearance this spring, having previously dealt with a lat issue. After Tuesday's outing, Jansen is scheduled to pitch Thursday, Sunday and once more after that as he aims to be ready for the March 28 opener in Seattle, per Alex Speier of The Boston Globe.