The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a scare last month when All-Star closer Kenley Jansen experienced an irregular heartbeat before the start of their four-game series against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
It prompted Jansen to miss the entirety of the matchup, as he immediately flew back to Los Angeles to undergo further testing. The right-hander was prescribed rest by his cardiologists and revealed that he was feeling well in the early stages of his recovery.
Although a report suggested he would be sidelined for at least one month and up to six weeks, Jansen was reinstated from the disabled list after the minimum 10 days. Now, with the Dodgers on the verge of another series in Denver, they’re unlikely to have Jansen with them.
According to J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group, it was suggested that Jansen not travel for the three-game series:
Kenley Jansen is available tonight. His cardiologist recommended that he not be available in Denver. The Dodgers are not ready to make that decision official, but it sounds as if they’re leaning that way.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) September 5, 2018
Jansen later confirmed on Twitter that he won’t be making the trip:
‘@Dodgers fans, as u heard, I won’t be making the trip to COL. Dr.’s orders. I want to help my team at any cost, but must listen to Dr. To be honest w/you
issues are scary. Doing great though. I’ll join team after COL, continue pushing toward postseason. #KeepKenleysHeartHealthy
— Kenley Jansen (@kenleyjansen74) September 5, 2018
While the general assumption that the high altitude in Denver was the main cause behind Jansen’s latest medical concern, he attributed it to dehydration and recently was adamant he would continue making future trips to Coors Field.
Jansen has a history of medical issues in Colorado, having previously been hospitalized in August 2012 for an irregular heartbeat. It ultimately kept him sidelined for the next three weeks of play, as he wound up undergoing heart surgery later that offseason.
Jansen also endured a minor hiccup at Coors Field in 2015, though he managed to return to the mound a few days later without needing a stint on the disabled list.
The 30-year-old acknowledged the possibility of undergoing another operation this winter, which would again address his lingering heart issue. Jansen was also recommended to resume taking heart medication at an adjusted dosage and frequency.
