Dodgers’ Kenley Jansen finds out Tuesday if he’s out for season
On the day before a doctor is expected to tell him whether his season is over, Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen said he was calm.
“Whatever the fact is, I will accept it,” Jansen said. “You have to take care of your health first.”
Jansen has taken blood thinners since he was hospitalized last week for treatment of an irregular heartbeat. If the doctor determines the blood thinners have resolved the issue, Jansen will be taken off the medication and could return as soon as Friday.
If Jansen needs to remain on the medication, his season will be over. He cannot pitch while on blood thinners because an injury could cause severe bleeding.
“I try not to think about it,” he said. “I try to think positive. Hopefully, the doctor says I’ll be good to go on Friday.”
Jansen had to be hospitalized for treatment of an irregular heartbeat last season. He said he would consider undergoing in the off-season a procedure designed to end episodes of irregular heartbeat.
Jansen leads the Dodgers with 25 saves. In his absence, Ronald Belisario and Brandon League are sharing the closing duties, although Manager Don Mattingly said Monday that he had not ruled out injured starter Chad Billingsley returning as a short reliever.
“You can’t say you can go without Kenley and be as good,” Mattingly said. “That doesn’t mean you can’t get it done.”
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