Angels Make Kenley Jansen Announcement After 10 Straight Missed Games

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Mar 20, 2025 7:14 PM ET

The Los Angeles Angels are looking to bounce back from a franchise record 99 losses 2024. Making some offseason additions via trade and free agency, Los Angeles is aiming to be more competitive in 2025.

One of the Angels' offseason moves was a one-year, $10 million contract for veteran closer Kenley Jansen. With 447 career saves, Jansen ranks fourth all-time in that category, and could pass Hall of Fame closer Lee Smith (478) this season.

After his third Spring Training appearance with the Angels, Jansen missed the team's next 10 games (including split-squad contests) due to the passing of his mother (via Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com).

Even short absences can set a pitcher back in Spring Training, especially a veteran like the 37-year-old Jansen. That said, the Angels announced on Thursday via manager Ron Washington that the four-time All-Star is expected to be ready for Opening Day.

"#Angels closer Kenley Jansen threw a 1-2-3 inning in his first appearance since March 9," Bollinger reported on X. "He left camp last week after the death of his mother. Ron Washington said he fully expects Jansen to be ready for the start of the season."

This is good news for an Angels team that is already prepared to enter 2025 without multiple key contributors.

After signing third baseman Yoan Moncada to fill in for the injured Anthony Rendon, the Angels recently announced he could miss the opener ( via Jeff Fletcher of the OC Register ). Additionally, starting shortstop Zach Neto (shoulder) is also not expected to be ready when the season begins.

As for Jansen, the 6-foot-5 right-hander is expected to be available when the Angels open their season on March 27 against the Chicago White Sox. With a perfect outing on Thursday, Jansen has now thrown four scoreless innings this spring.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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