Jansen struck out the side in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his fifth save of the season in a 4-2 win over the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran right-hander fired nine of 14 pitches for strikes in his most impressive performance so far this season, although he did benefit from a third-strike clock violation by Michael Taylor. It's only the third time in eight appearances that Jansen hasn't issued a walk, and while his 2.35 ERA looks good, it comes with a 1.57 WHIP and 12:8 K:BB over 7.2 innings.

Jansen gave up a run on three hits in the ninth inning Tuesday for his first blown save of the season in a 10-7 extra-innings loss to the Guardians.

EDGE Analysis

Called upon to protect a 6-5 lead, Jansen instead gave up three straight one-out hits kicked off by a Tyler Freeman double off the Green Monster. The 36-year-old right-hander has been tagged for runs in back-to-back appearances after beginning the campaign with 4.2 scoreless innings, and Jansen's 9:8 K:BB remains a little worrisome, but he's converted four of five save chances and doesn't appear to be at risk of losing his grip on the closer role.

Jansen earned the save Sunday against the Angels, allowing one run on a hit and a walk with two strikeouts across one inning.

EDGE Analysis

Jansen picked up his fourth save of the season Sunday but spoiled his perfect 0.00 ERA in the process. Entering the game with two runs of cushion, Jansen hit Logan O'Hoppe with a cutter, then allowed a single to Mickey Moniak before walking Zach Neto to load the bases. While Anthony Rendon hit a sacrifice fly to plate O'Hoppe, Jansen struck out the next two batters to close out the game. Jansen has walked eight batters in 5.2 innings, but he's been nearly unhittable, with Moniak's single the first hit allowed by Jansen in 2024.

Jansen struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning and earned a save over the Angels on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Jansen had walked five batters in his first three outings but finally worked a clean inning Friday, his third time pitching in the last four days. Despite some early command issues, the veteran closer has converted each of his three save chances and has yet to give up a run. His velocity is still a concern; Jansen's cutter, which averaged 94.3 mph last season, was down to just 90.7 mph Friday.

Jansen's velocity is down close to three mph on his cutter to begin the season, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jansen didn't get in much work during spring training due to a back issue and is still building up toward his usual form. He labored through back-to-back outings Tuesday and Wednesday, needing 20-plus pitches in each, but that he was able to pitch on consecutive days is encouraging. Jansen has converted both his save chances so far with a 0.00 ERA in three innings, albeit with a 5:5 K:BB.

Jansen picked up the save Wednesday against the Athletics, He issuing two walks while striking out one over a scoreless inning.

EDGE Analysis

Jansen managed to escape with his second save in as many chances despite allowing back-to-back walks with one out in the ninth. The veteran right-hander needed 21 pitches to get through the inning, with only 10 of those going for strikes, and he's now issued three free passes over his first two appearances to begin the season. On a positive note, the save was Jansen's 422nd of his career, tying him with Bill Wagner for sixth all time.

Jansen (back) is available to pitch Monday against the Athletics, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jansen's availability was in question leading up to Monday's contest due to back tightness, but skipper Alex Cora noted pregame that the right-hander had a good day Sunday and felt good again Monday, so he'll be ready to roll if called upon. Jansen's first appearance of the 2024 season took place Thursday against the Mariners, picking up the save after fanning two and walking one over a scoreless inning.

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.