Kenley Jansen reported to Los Angeles Dodgers Summer Camp on Sunday, more than one week after the team began official workouts at Dodger Stadium. Jansen revealed his absence was due to previously testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
“I’m doing great. I’m doing better now,” Jansen said. “I was talking to the training staff and wanted to keep it private and not be a distraction. I was feeling better on the fourth day I had it, almost three weeks ago now.”
Jansen further explained his son Kaden was who first contracted the virus. Jansen and his wife, Gianni, noticed Kaden had a fever in the middle of the night and sought a COVID-19 test out of precaution.
“He tested positive and both of my kids ended up having it,” Jansen said. “First time I took the test, it was negative. But later I tested positive.” Everyone in the Jansen household contracted the virus, but all have made a full recovery.
Prior to that point Jansen had kept active with his throwing sessions in the time after MLB cancelled the remainder of Spring Training and delayed the start of the 2020 season. “The good thing is I have a gym in my house so I made sure I felt good walking around and playing catch at 60 feet when I didn’t have symptoms,” he said.
“Two days after I didn’t have symptoms I started to play catch, and I felt great.”
Jansen also threw often during the offseason leading into Spring Training, and the combination of his regular activity has him confident he will be prepared for Opening Day on July 23. Jansen added he is not concerned to play the 2020 season because of his heart surgeries.
Dave Roberts remained committed to Jansen as closer
In the time prior to Jansen reporting for camp, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the club wasn’t planning on replacing him as closer due to the absence. “Kenley is our guy and I expect him to be back,” Roberts said last week.
“But if it doesn’t happen for some unforeseen reason, then we can certainly adjust.”
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