Tigers' Kenley Jansen Moves Up MLB Saves List

Veteran closer escapes trouble again to earn another save milestone.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:29am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the final moments of a baseball game, with the pitcher's delivery and the batter's swing broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant team colors, conceptually representing the tension and drama of a close save situation.A veteran closer's ability to escape late-inning jams has defined his storied career.Kansas City Today

Detroit Tigers closer Kenley Jansen allowed a single and stolen base in the ninth inning but was still able to protect a 2-1 lead and earn his 436th career save, moving him into third place on MLB's all-time saves list.

Why it matters

Jansen has been one of the most dominant closers in baseball over the past two decades, and his ability to consistently get out of jams has been a key factor in his longevity and success. This latest milestone cements his status as one of the greatest relievers in MLB history.

The details

Jansen opened the ninth inning by allowing a single to Kansas City Royals outfielder Lane Thomas. Thomas then stole second base a few pitches later and advanced to third on a groundout by Salvador Perez, putting the tying run 90 feet away. But Jansen was able to buckle down and record the final two outs to preserve the 2-1 victory and earn his 436th career save, moving him past Rollie Fingers and into third place on the all-time list.

  • Jansen recorded the save on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.

The players

Kenley Jansen

A 17-year MLB veteran and one of the most dominant closers of his era, Jansen is now third on the all-time saves list.

Lane Thomas

The Kansas City Royals outfielder who singled and stole a base against Jansen in the ninth inning.

Salvador Perez

The Royals' star catcher who hit a groundout that advanced the tying run to third base in the ninth inning.

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What’s next

Jansen will look to continue climbing the all-time saves list as he approaches the end of his illustrious career.

The takeaway

Jansen's ability to escape jams and lock down saves has been a hallmark of his career, and this latest milestone cements his status as one of the greatest closers in MLB history.