Before the 2026 MLB season, the Detroit Tigers owned one of the best bullpens in the American League on paper. That once-promising piece of parchment has since been torn to shreds. AJ Hinch’s relief unit is enduring early struggles, but a different type of problem is now emerging. A couple of the more high-profile arms in the pen are hurt. Well Vest is being placed on the 15-day injured list with lateral forearm inflammation, and Kenley Jansen is day-to-day with a right groin/lower abdomen issue, per the Detroit Free Press’ Evan Petzold.
What is supposed to be a powerful one-two punch in the closing innings is currently an injured and struggling duo with 6.00-plus ERAs. They have plenty of time to turn things around, but health could be a roadblock to any potential resurgence. While it is discouraging to know that Vest will be out for least a couple of weeks, Jansen has seemingly avoided an IL stint.
The 38-year-old closer rattled off six straight successful outings in April before combusting late in the month. He allowed a walk-off home run to Nathaniel Lowe on April 24 and then gave up another game-ending two-run blast five days later against Matt Olson and the Atlanta Braves. The Tigers and their fans are hoping this current injury can at least partially explain those back-to-back blown saves.
Kenley Jansen, who ranks third all-time in MLB history with 482 saves, has a 6.14 ERA and 1.636 WHIP through 7 1/3 innings pitched this season. He will rest up and try to boost those ailing numbers in the near future. The Tigers (16-17) are hosting the Texas Rangers (16-16) this weekend and will face the veteran righty’s former team, the Boston Red Sox (13-19), starting on Monday.
Before the 2026 MLB season, the Detroit Tigers owned one of the best bullpens in the American League on paper. That once-promising piece of parchment has since been torn to shreds. AJ Hinch’s relief unit is enduring early struggles, but a different type of problem is now emerging. A couple of the more high-profile arms in the pen are hurt.