With one week of Spring Training games complete, the Los Angeles Dodgers have seen a variety of pitchers get some valuable work in thus far. From Major League contributors to top prospects, there hasn’t been a shortage of talent on the mound.
One exception is closer Kenley Jansen, who has yet to pitch in a Cactus League game despite ramping up his workload this spring compared to last year. He reported to Camelback Ranch feeling healthy after a second heart operation, changing his diet and shedding 25 pounds over the offseason.
After throwing another round of live batting practice on the backfields at Camelback Ranch, Jansen revealed he will make his long anticipated 2019 Cactus League debut on Sunday against the Texas Rangers, via SportsNet LA:
“I’m ready. I’ll be (in) there Sunday against Texas. Feel good, feel great, so I’m ready for it.”
Motivated to avoid the slow start he endured last season, Jansen reported to Spring Training having already thrown five bullpen sessions.
After resting through nearly all of Spring Training last year, Jansen has planned all along to pitch in multiple Cactus League games before the start of the 2019 regular season.
The 31-year-old looks to bounce back from what was a bit of a down year in 2018, as he went 1-5 while posting career highs in ERA (3.01) and FIP (4.03) across 71.2 innings pitched and 69 appearances.
