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Kenley Jansen Sends Message After Angels Sign Former Dodgers Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated May 26, 2025 9:41 PM ET

The Los Angeles Angels are 8-2 in their last 10 games despite Mike Trout's absence, and they're now a half-game ahead of the Texas Rangers for third place in the AL West. Closer Kenley Jansen is a big reason for their recent success, as he's allowed just one run in his last five appearances.

The 37-year-old is tied for sixth in baseball with 11 saves ahead of the Angels' bout with the New York Yankees on Monday night, and leads all active players with 457 in his career. The next-closest hurler is Boston Red Sox southpaw Aroldis Chapman with 343.

Jansen pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2010-21, the Atlanta Braves in 2022, and the Red Sox from 2023-24. The 6-foot-5-inch, 265-pounder played with two-time World Series champion Chris Taylor from 2016-21, who the Angels acquired on Monday.

Jansen sounded off about the move, via The Athletic's Sam Blum.

“Yeah, C.T. man, it’s awesome man,” the right-hander said. “When you have a longtime teammate like that coming up, to be back playing with you is awesome. I’m happy to hear that he’s back. It’s nice. It’s nice to have him back. Hopefully he gets his time and showcases who he is.”

Taylor owns a career slash line of .250/.328/.421 with 108 homers and 433 RBI across 1,093 games. The Seattle Mariners drafted the Virginia native No. 161 overall in 2012, and he made his big-league debut in July 2014. They then traded him to the Dodgers in June 2016, and he won both the 2020 and 2024 championships with the latter club.

The Dodgers cut Taylor on May 18, as he's slashing just .200/.200/.257 with two RBI in 28 games this season.

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

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