Will Vest 'not 100%' as Kenley Jansen headlines Tigers' bullpen woes

In Thursday's 5-2 win, the Tigers turned to right-handed reliever Kyle Finnegan – not Jansen (or Vest) – in a ninth-inning save situation. He protected the three-run lead, shutting down the Braves for his first save in his first opportunity this season.

Why not Jansen?

"We're just trying to win the game as best we can," Hinch said. "It was a quick turnaround for Kenley. Our bullpen has been taxed quite a bit. We were just trying to get to the finish line."

OLD FRIEND: Tigers acquire shortstop Zack Short in trade with Nationals

Detroit Tigers pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) celebrates with catcher Jake Rogers (34) after securing a save against the Milwaukee Brewers in the ninth inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Jansen, a 17-year MLB veteran, ranks third on MLB's all-time saves list with 482, needing 18 more to become the third player to reach 500, joining Mariano Rivera (652) and Trevor Hoffman (601).

In 2026, Jansen has six saves in nine opportunities.

That keeps Jansen on pace for 24 more saves in the final 130 games, but the Tigers need him to bounce back.

"We're going through a few things," Hinch said. "Obviously, the bullpen has been leaned on quite a bit. There are guys that are not feeling at their best. That's what we're working through. We're going day-by-day."

This story will be updated.

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers' Will Vest 'not 100%' as Kenley Jansen struggles