Dodgers' Jansen expected to be ready for spring after heart surgery

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen underwent a five-and-a-half-hour heart surgery on Monday, and he's already eyeing his return to the mound.

Jansen said the procedure went "fantastic," and he plans to return to Dodger Stadium next week to resume offseason workouts, according to ESPN.

Assuming all goes well, he should be ready for spring training and available to pitch on Opening Day.

Though the surgery was a success and the 31-year-old reliever feels great, he said he is aware the fix may not be permanent, but remains hopeful the worst is behind him.

"In life, nothing is guaranteed," Jansen said. "But the percentage is higher that this won't happen anymore."

On Monday, Jansen tweeted from his hospital bed to thank his supporters.

Jansen was originally hospitalized in August with an irregular heartbeat while the Dodgers were on a road trip to Colorado to face the Rockies. He had a similar surgery on his heart in 2012.