Kenley Jansen Was Bringing The Heat Against The Braves

On Wednesday night, Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen accomplished a historic feat.

The veteran right-hander retired the side in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves and secured his 400th career save.

Jansen spent last season with the Braves and recorded 41 saves in 48 tries.

But on Wednesday, he managed to hold his former team in check to secure an important win for the Red Sox and reach an important individual milestone.

And while he was at it, he brought some impressive heat.

On Twitter, Sarah Langs of MLB.com tracked Jansen’s three fastest pitches and took note of the fact that the last time he threw a pitch so hard was back in 2016.

Kenley Jansen’s 3 fastest pitches tonight:

98.7 mph
98.5 mph
98.4 mph

the last time he threw a pitch that hard? 8/27/16 https://t.co/rsLRaZfoiK

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) May 11, 2023

Jansen’s three fastest pitches clocked in at 98.7 mph, 98.5 mph, and 98.4 mph, respectively.

The 35-year-old certainly brought the heat on Wednesday as he closed out his former team at Truist Park.

But even at 35, Jansen remains one of the best and hardest throwing relievers in all of baseball.

He retired the side against the Braves and ultimately earned his ninth save of the regular season.

But by hitting 98 mph, he accomplished a feat he hadn’t achieved since all the way back in 2016, meaning it had been almost seven years since he threw a pitch that hard.

Jansen had his best fastball on display against his former team and managed to retire the side, allowing just one hit and holding the Braves in check to achieve his historic milestone.

The Red Sox improved to 22-16 on the season.