Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen will have heart surgery on Nov. 26, with recovery expected to take from two to eight weeks.
The surgery, to correct Jansen’s irregular heartbeat, had been expected. Jansen had a similar procedure after the 2012 season.
He is expected to be recovered and ready in time for spring training.
Jansen experienced a recurrence of his irregular heartbeat on Aug. 9 before the start of a four-game series in Colorado, with Jansen calling 911 when an accelerated heartbeat would not subside. His heart had to be shocked back into rhythm at a Denver hospital. Increased elevation can exacerbate an irregular heartbeat.
Jansen went on the 10-day disabled list with an irregular heartbeat and began taking blood-thinning medication. He struggled upon his return, giving up runs in four consecutive outings while taking a loss and blowing two save opportunities and eventually was given the OK to get off the medication.
Jansen had 38 saves and a 3.01 ERA in 69 relief appearances this season. In nine postseason appearances, he had a 1.69 ERA, three saves and 13 strikeouts.