Dodgers: Dave Roberts Reacts to Kenley Jansen’s Summer Camp Arrival

On Sunday, the Dodgers got their franchise saves leader Kenley Jansen back into training camp. Moreover, Jansen revealed that he and his family had tested positive for Coronavirus. Thankfully they’re are all now healthy and symptom free.

Manager Dave Roberts reacted to and praised the closer’s decision to reveal his positive test result.

I think it was great for him to come out and be honest, and I thought it was his story to tell. And so now we can move forward and get to playing baseball.

Now, with Kenley back in camp, Doc discussed how far off the closer is from being ready and what comes next as he ramps up for intrasquad action and, more importantly, opening day which is officially less than 11 days away. 

Kenley has been throwing in the bullpen, he’s going to have another one… so I think for us, he’s going to have four appearances before the season starts. And for me, where he’s at, it’s just a mindset where you’ve got to look at this as your last four appearances in a regular spring training .. I think where Kenley’s at, the four will be plenty for him to be ready for opening day.

Roberts was asked what he felt about it being one of his own Dodgers with the virus, after so many other organizations with confirmed cases across the league.

Dave Roberts said "it hits home more" when one of your own is working through something like this virus. Says he looks good.

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) July 12, 2020

Importantly, despite the virus having run its course as it were, Doc said that nothing would change for Kenley in terms of regular testing and the protocols set into place by Major League Baseball confirming that they’re not going to treat the closer any differently than any other player in camp.