Kenley Jansen's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Kenley Jansen.

Kenley Jansen is a professional baseball pitcher from Curaçao, currently playing for the Los Angeles Angels in MLB. He previously played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and Boston Red Sox. He is known for his cutter, which he developed into one of the most dominant pitches in baseball. Jansen has been a multiple-time All-Star and holds the Dodgers' franchise record for career saves. He is one of the prominent closers in recent MLB history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1991: Broke Team Records

In 2015, Kenley Jansen broke Jay Howell's team records, set in 1991, of 13 games without a walk to start a season and 20 strikeouts without a walk to start a season.

2011: Key Member of Bullpen

In 2011, Kenley Jansen became a key member of the Dodgers' bullpen, achieving a 2–1 record with a 2.85 ERA and five saves. He also set a new Major League season record with 16+1⁄3 strikeouts per nine innings.

2012: Mention of Previous Heart Procedure

In November 2018, during another heart ablation procedure, doctors discovered that small veins near the site of Kenley Jansen's 2012 procedure had grown and were agitated by dehydration, which caused the irregular signals that occurred in Denver.

2012: High Strikeout Rate in 2012

Through the 2012 season, Kenley Jansen achieved an extremely high strikeout rate of 14.6 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched, ranking as the second-highest in history among pitchers with at least 140 innings.

2013: Most Strikeouts

In 2017, Jansen recorded his 36th strikeout of the season, setting an MLB season record for most strikeouts without giving up a walk. The previous record was held by Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright, who struck out 35 batters before giving up a walk in the 2013 season.

2016: NL Reliever of the Year

In 2016, Kenley Jansen was named the National League Reliever of the Year.

2017: Second NL Reliever of the Year Award

In 2017, Kenley Jansen earned his second consecutive National League Reliever of the Year Award.

2017: NL Saves Leader

In 2017, Kenley Jansen led the National League (NL) in saves.

November 26, 2018: Heart Ablation Procedure in 2018

On November 26, 2018, Kenley Jansen underwent a 5+1⁄2-hour heart ablation procedure in Los Angeles. The doctor found that small veins near the site of his 2012 procedure had grown and were agitated by dehydration. Following recovery, Jansen adopted a healthier diet and lost 25 pounds, no longer needing blood-thinning medication.

2018: Third Straight All-Star Game Selection

In 2018, Kenley Jansen was chosen for his third straight all-star game after turning around his performance in May, June, and July.

2019: 300 Career Saves

In 2019, Kenley Jansen became the 30th pitcher to reach 300 career saves.

2021: 2021 Season and Postseason Performance

In 2021, Kenley Jansen achieved his 1,000th strikeout, finishing the season with 38 saves, a 2.22 ERA, and 86 strikeouts in 69 innings. During the postseason, in the National League Wild Card Game against the St. Louis Cardinals, he secured a win with a scoreless ninth inning, and he also pitched in five of the six games in the 2021 NLCS against the Atlanta Braves, recording a save in Game 3.

May 10, 2023: Reaches 400 Saves

On May 10, 2023, Kenley Jansen became the seventh pitcher in MLB history to record 400 saves.

2023: 400 Career Saves

In 2023, Kenley Jansen became the 7th pitcher to total 400 career saves.

2024: 2024 Season Performance

In 2024, Kenley Jansen began the season as Boston's closer and earned his 425th career save on April 20, passing John Franco for fifth place on the all-time list. Jansen finished the 2024 season with 27 saves, a 3.29 ERA, and 62 strikeouts in 54+2⁄3 innings.