Kenley Jansen explained early Red Sox departure, Alex Cora confirmed it was a ‘manager’s decision’
"When we got eliminated we agreed I could go home. No biggie. All love. That’s what it was."
As the Red Sox 2024 season came to an end over the weekend, one of the team’s leading figures was conspicuously absent from the final series against the Rays.
Closer Kenley Jansen, the 37-year-old four-time All-Star, had already been sent “home” according to manager Alex Cora (the original report came from Chris Cotillo of MassLive). Jansen was placed on the injured list before that, meaning that he would not pitch again during the season.
Still, his absence drew the disappointment of teammates, per Red Sox reporter Sean McAdam.
“Multiple players, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity, registered their disappointment over Jansen’s early departure, though one added: ‘I can’t say I’m too surprised,'” McAdam wrote.
On Monday, WEEI’s Rob Bradford released an interview he did with Jansen discussing the topic (among other things).
Jansen downplayed his early departure.
“Me and [Cora] had a conversation and I think we both agreed,” he said
“Of course, I had been dealing with my shoulder with the inflammations and all that,” Jansen added. “That’s what it was. It was nothing big. We came to an agreement that I think it’s best to put me on the IL to let that shoulder recover. That’s pretty much it. When we got eliminated we agreed I could go home. No biggie. All love. That’s what it was.”
“When we got eliminated I decided to go home,” he continued. “Starting my process here, working out already. Also, do exercises to make the shoulder a little bit stronger and all that. We’re recovering right now. I’m not going to be here and home and just sit. I’m going to workout and get better and be motivated for 2025.”
Later in the day, the Red Sox held the team’s end-of-season press conference. Cora was asked about Jansen, reiterating his earlier comments.
“I had a conversation with Kenley as soon as we were done,” Cora told reporters. “I told him he was free to go home. It was a manager’s decision.”
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