Feb 16, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) runs through drills during spring training camp. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Angels All-Star Away From Team After Mother Died

Originally posted on Los Angeles Angels on SI
By Maren Angus-Coombs | Last updated Mar 17, 2025 1:00 PM ET

Los Angeles Angels All-Star closer Kenley Jansen is away from the team for an undisclosed amount of time following the death of his mother.

Jansen posted the sad update on his Instagram on March 7.

In a caption to go along with a photo of him and his mother, Jansen wrote, "God has You in His Arms ️ I have You in My Heart !!!! Forever ❤️❤️❤️ Your (sic) the Greatest Mom !!! You’re in Peace now !!! "

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A post shared by Kenley Jansen (@kenleyjansen74)

That wasn't the only health problem Jansen had to deal with.

“On top of that, my dad had a stroke,” Jansen continued. “I had both of them in the hospital at the same time.”

Once Jansen returns to the Angels, he will be ready to help the team put losing in the past. Los Angeles is coming off a 99-loss season and Jansen would like to become the third closer in Major League Baseball history to record 500 saves.

Jansen is only 31 saves away from the career milestone and he will hopefully reach it and go beyond.

"My expectation is to help this ballclub win ball games,” Jansen said. “We have a very young, exciting team around here. And I want to just bring my experience. It’s about how we are gonna get better, that's all I care about. It's just about winning ball games.”

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Angels on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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