Dodgers’ Kenley Jansen Out Indefinitely with Irregular Heartbeat

The Dodgers won their series opener in Colorado, 8-5 on Thursday, though they were short-handed in their bullpen. Instead of using Kenley Jansen in the ninth, the Dodgers depended on Scott Alexander to pick up the save. That is because Jansen was hospitalized with an irregular heartbeat.

Kenley Jansen is heading back to LA to be examined by his cardiologist. He’s dealing with an irregular heartbeat which he’s experienced before, particularly in a Denver.

— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) August 10, 2018

Dave Roberts announced that Jansen would head back to Los Angeles to be visited by a cardiologist. Jansen will not pitch in this series in Colorado and a timetable has not been set for his return.

The Dodgers’ closer has dealt with this health issue in the past. He was sidelined in 2011 and 2012 because of an irregular heartbeat. Jansen’s irregular heartbeat in 2012 came after an outing in Colorado. He also underwent a heart procedure in October 2012.

Jansen is posting a 2.15 ERA with an NL leading 32 saves this season.

*UPDATE*

Source confirms: #Dodgers’ Jansen “probably” will miss about a month while undergoing treatment for an irregular heartbeat. Condition considered “very manageable.” First reported: @Buster_ESPN.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 10, 2018

Analysis

More than anything, Kenley Jansen’s health comes first. Although it has not been an issue in recent years, Jansen’s irregular heartbeat is a chronic issue, and one that has limited him in the past. He missed about a month when he dealt with this issue back in 2012.

The fact that Dodgers’ closer has previously dealt with this issue in Colorado gives an indication that the high altitude and thin air has a negative effect on Jansen’s health. The Dodgers will visit the Mile High City again in September, though even if Jansen is back by then, Dave Roberts will likely be cautious with his closer.