Tigers Reliever Kenley Jansen Pursues Championship Over Save Record
In San Diego, Kenley Jansen leads a daily running ritual on the warning track. Bullpen catchers and pitching coach Chris Fetter have joined him.
Strong Tigers debut
Jansen, 38, opened his 18th season by striking out the side in the ninth. He preserved a 5-2 Tigers win over the Padres on Friday night.
He threw 11 pitches, with 10 strikes and five whiffs on six swings. The outing was close to an immaculate inning.
Pitch mix and results
His cutter produced two whiffs on three swings. The sinker produced two whiffs on two swings, and the slider produced one whiff.
Saves, priorities and perspective
That appearance produced Jansen’s first save as a Tiger. It was the 477th save of his career.
Tigers reliever Kenley Jansen said he pursues championship over save record. He stressed a ring matters more than climbing the leaderboard.
| All-time saves | Total |
|---|---|
| Mariano Rivera | 652 |
| Trevor Hoffman | 601 |
| Lee Smith | 478 |
| Kenley Jansen | 477 |
He is the active saves leader. Manager A.J. Hinch praised his long-term dominance and milestone pace.
Jansen said family needs shaped past choices. He signed with the Angels last season to be near his mother, who died March 7, 2024.
Castellanos, McGonigle and family moments
Nick Castellanos recalled watching rookie Kevin McGonigle’s four-hit debut on Thursday. The moment brought back memories of his own first games.
Castellanos debuted on Sept. 1, 2013 and had a high-profile Opening Day in 2014. He was the youngest player on a veteran, division-winning Tigers club then.
Now 34, Castellanos is on his fifth big-league team. He serves as a right-handed bench bat and first baseman for the Padres.
His four-year run with the Phillies ended in February when the team designated him for assignment. The Phillies absorbed the $20 million remaining on his deal.
Before games, he works on the dirt with his 12-year-old son, Liam. Liam was born on Aug. 1 and even had a spot in the clubhouse one month after Castellanos’ debut.
Petco Park trivia and staff background
Lance Zawadski, now the Tigers’ assistant hitting coach, recorded the first hit at Petco Park. He delivered that hit on March 11, 2004 while playing for San Diego State under Tony Gwynn.
Zawadski is 40 and played 20 major-league games for the Padres in 2010. He spent four years coaching in the Red Sox system before joining Hinch’s staff.
Jansen said the growing running crew motivates him. He added that he feels excited to be part of a team aiming to accomplish something big.
