The last few weeks have been difficult for Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen as he missed almost two weeks due to a heart issue that began during the team’s recent trip to Colorado.
Jansen has not looked like his usual self since returning, giving up four home runs through his first three outings. Each came in key spots of close games. Because of that, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts gave his closer a mental break on Sunday, although Jansen didn’t feel he needed it.
Sunday also happened to be the day that Jansen stopped taking the heart medication that his cardiologist prescribed to help with his heart issue. Jansen believes that medication could have contributed to his poor outings, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I don’t want to make excuses,” Jansen said. “But it’s like you’re sleepwalking out there. It makes your whole body go slow. I felt sleepy all the time.”
Jansen added that he thought he would be able to pitch while taking the medication, but he no longer feels that is the case so he stopped taking them altogether:
“I tried,” Jansen said of pitching while taking the medication. “I thought the first day, maybe it would get better. Then the second day it was the same. And the third day …
“After that, I just thought, ‘I’m going to hurt the team. I’ve got to say something and get off this medication.’ It might be making sure my heart doesn’t stop. But I told my doctor I can’t pitch like this.”
While it is admirable that Jansen wants to do what is best for his team to return to the postseason and win their first World Series in 30 years, heart issues are not something to take lightly.
While Jansen admitted the cardiologist would prefer he continue to take the medication, he was also given clearance to stop. His first relief appearance still wasn’t smooth sailing, but Jansen remains confident he will right the ship.
