Dodgers News: Closer Kenley Jansen Hoping For Mid-May Return
While the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen was one of the team’s biggest weaknesses in 2014, the closer’s role was not. Right-hander Kenley Jansen saved 44 games for the Dodgers in 49 attempts, yielding a 2.76 ERA while striking out 101 compared to 19 walks.
Just two days prior to Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers and catchers reporting for Spring Training, the club announced Jansen underwent surgery on his left foot that was expected to sideline him at least a month into the season.
Jansen was seen wearing a boot yesterday at Opening Day, but according to our own Vincent Samperio, he is on pace to return to the team in mid-May:
Jansen will go on the road trip this weekend. Mentioned mid-May as when he will be back pitching for the team.
— Vincent Samperio (@DNVince) April 7, 2015
Jansen is no longer in the boot, and he has begun throwing, feeling no pain in his foot:
Kenley Jansen said his next step is to continue to strengthen his arm. Said he doesn't feel pain in foot, but wants to make sure it heals.
— Vincent Samperio (@DNVince) April 7, 2015
Right-hander Chris Hatcher got the save in the Dodgers 6-3 Opening Day victory over the San Diego Padres, but in Spring Training manager Don Mattingly said that who closes out games will be decided based on matchups until Jansen returns. Candidates to close out games in the meantime include veterans J.P. Howell and Joel Peralta, as well as Hatcher.
Since being called up in July of 2010, Jansen has only missed time once, when he dealt with heart problems at the end of the 2012 season.
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