Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen’s health issues while playing in the high altitude at Coors Field in Colorado are well-documented. His most recent scare was an irregular heartbeat suffered during the team’s trip there last month.
Jansen wound up having to miss 10 days due to the heart issue, and it was not the first time that had happened in Colorado, which brings up a bit of a dilemma for the Dodgers. They are scheduled to begin a crucial three-game series at Coors Field on Friday.
Entering play Wednesday, the Rockies are a half-game ahead ahead of the Dodgers for first place in the National League West. This weekend’s series in one of two remaining between the clubs.
Jansen has previously said he still plans to pitch in Colorado in the future. But due to the recent scare, it appears the team is discussing him not making the trip this time around, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“It’s being debated,” Jansen said. “It’s tough.”
While it will be difficult for the Dodgers to be without their closer for a key series, especially considering the bullpen blew three games during their last visit to Denver, manager Dave Roberts stressed Jansen’s health is the first priority:
“With Kenley and altitude and going to Denver, it’s certainly going to be a conversation we’re going to revisit during this series,” manager Dave Roberts said on Monday. “The No. 1 priority that we’re all aligned on is that Kenley’s health is first and foremost the priority. If there’s any hesitation on his part or the doctors say the altitude can affect him in any way, then for us, it’s a no-brainer to have him stay back. So we haven’t made a decision yet. We’ll have those conversations and make that decision in the next couple of days.”
Jansen has undergone one surgery on his heart already and believes he may need a second one this offseason. It is probably best if he doesn’t risk health by making the trip, even if it winds up costing the Dodgers a game or two.
Moreover, Jansen previously revealed he stopped taking medication because of the negative impact it has on his energy level and pitching. Jansen said the cardiologist preferred he didn’t discontinue the medication but cleared him to do so.
