Red Sox fans have been put through an excruciating offseason that has been marred by ownership outright refusing to spend money despite being one of the league’s biggest-market franchises, and now another issue has popped up that makes the outlook for this season look even more daft.

One of Boston’s biggest strengths in 2023 was the back end of its bullpen, which featured strong seasons from a couple of newcomers to the team in closer Kenley Jansen and setup man Chris Martin.

The former’s immediate future is becoming a concern, as Ian Browne of MLB.com has reported that Jansen was once again scratched from today’s spring training game with lower back tightness.

Kenley Jansen was again scratched today with lower back tightness. He needs to get right in the next day or two to start the season on the active roster.

— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) March 19, 2024

Browne added that Jansen will need to get right in the next day or two in order to start the season on the active roster and avoid a stint on the IL.

Jansen had a solid first season in Boston after signing a 2-year, $32 million deal and put up 29 saves with a 3.63 ERA.

His numbers were inflated by blowing three saves in a span of two weeks, including back-to-back blown saves against the St. Louis Cardinals in mid-May.

Jansen only blew one other save all season aside from that stretch.

The 4-time All-Star and former World Series champion is in a contract year at 36 years old and after posting a career-worst ERA last year, he needs a big year to secure another big deal on the open market.

If Jansen were forced to miss time, Martin would be the obvious choice to fill in as the closer, as he is coming off a stellar 1.05 ERA season.