Jansen throws bullpen session, hopes to return next week
Los Angeles Dodgers star closer Kenley Jansen could be returning to the mound much sooner than anticipated.
Jansen underwent treatments for an irregular heartbeat and was initially expected to miss about a month after being placed on the disabled list last week. However, after throwing roughly 20 pitches in a bullpen session Friday, the 30-year-old is hoping the Dodgers medical staff will give him the green light to pitch again as soon as next week.
"I hope they say (I'm) ready to go. I've got my fingers crossed about Monday," Jansen said, per The Associated Press. "We'll see what happens. That would be great so I can come back and help us get back in the race and go where we want to go."
Jansen has dealt with similar issues in the past and said Monday he's likely to undergo a second heart procedure in the offseason.
Before being sidelined, Jansen had recorded 32 saves with a 2.15 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 54.1 innings.