The Los Angeles Dodgers were dealt a major blow last week when All-Star closer Kenley Jansen was placed on the 10-day disabled list after experiencing an irregular heartbeat that forced him to miss the entirety of a four-game series with the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
Jansen underwent further testing in Los Angeles and will again be reevaluated on Aug. 20, though a set timetable on when he may return to the mound hasn’t yet been revealed.
Jansen is expected to miss a minimum of four weeks, however, and could potentially be out of action until rosters expand in September.
In the meantime, cardiologists have prescribed rest for the all-time Dodgers saves leader, who is feeling well in the early stages of his recovery, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
After two days of examinations and consultation with cardiologists in Los Angeles, Kenley Jansen texted that he was “feeling great” but needed rest.
That Jansen is already making progress in his recovery is certainly a positive sign. While Los Angeles will certainly miss his presence in the backend of the bullpen, it goes without saying that him returning to full health remains the top priority for both parties.
The Dodgers will deploy a closer by committee in the absence of Jansen and recently reconstructed their relief corps to prepare for the time being.
Switch-pitcher Pat Venditte was summoned from Triple-A Oklahoma City, while a pair of starting pitchers in Kenta Maeda and Ross Stripling will join him in the bullpen as well.
Moreover, the Dodgers may speed up the rehab process of Julio Urias to further lengthen the bullpen. He was on track to be built up to throw four innings per appearance but that now will be shortened.
