Dodgers' Jansen not traveling to Colorado on doctor's orders
Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen won't be traveling to Colorado for this weekend's three-game series against the Rockies at his doctor's recommendation.
‘@Dodgers fans, as u heard, I won’t be making the trip to COL. Dr.’s orders. I want to help my team at any cost, but must listen to Dr. To be honest w/you💙issues are scary. Doing great though. I’ll join team after COL, continue pushing toward postseason. #KeepKenleysHeartHealthy
— Kenley Jansen (@kenleyjansen74) September 5, 2018
The decision is precautionary due to his heart condition leaving him vulnerable to a recurring irregular heartbeat at high altitude, according to MLB.com's Ken Gurnick.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hasn't named a replacement closer for the series.
The reliever landed on the disabled list in August after being hospitalized while in Denver during the team's most recent series against the Rockies. Jansen suffered a similar issue in 2012, also in Denver, and required offseason heart surgery. Jansen later said he'd likely need another surgical procedure after this season.
With Los Angeles trailing the Rockies in the NL West standings by a half-game, there's a scenario where the teams face one another in the postseason, resulting in another trip for the Dodgers to mile-high Denver. If this happens, Jansen says he hopes he'd be cleared to play at Coors Field by then, according to the Los Angeles Times' Andy McCullough.