DETROIT – Curaçao-born pitcher Kenley Jansen has moved into third place on Major League Baseball’s all-time saves list, reaching a total of 479 saves and surpassing former closer Lee Smith.
Jansen achieved the milestone during his latest appearance, pitching one inning and allowing just one hit. He had recently tied Smith’s record but now holds the third position outright.
Only Mariano Rivera with 652 saves and Trevor Hoffman with 601 remain ahead of him in Major League Baseball history. Jansen’s next major target is the 500-save mark, a milestone reached by only two players so far.
The 36-year-old right-hander from Willemstad built the bulk of his career saves with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he recorded 350. He later added to his total with the Atlanta Braves (41), Boston Red Sox (56), and Los Angeles Angels (29). He is currently continuing his career with the Detroit Tigers.
Since making his debut in 2010, Jansen has established himself as one of the most consistent closers in Major League Baseball. With a current ERA of 2.45 and multiple saves already this season, he remains a key figure in his team’s bullpen.
His rise on the all-time list further strengthens his case for eventual induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, reserved for the sport’s most accomplished players.