As planned, Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen underwent his heart ablation surgery on Monday. The 31-year-old Willemstad, Curacao native posted a video shortly after the procedure insisting that he is fine and will be ready to go when Dodgers pitchers and catchers report for spring training.
“Guys, I’m fine,” Jansen said in the video. “The anesthesia is finally out of my system. I’m doing good. Enjoying the Christmas spirit. We’ll see you guys soon in 2019, stronger than ever.”
“Today, Dodger pitcher Kenley Jansen underwent an ablation procedure with Dr. Koonlawee Nademanee in Los Angeles. The procedure went as expected and Jansen is resting comfortably in the hospital. The club anticipates Jansen will be ready for Spring Training and available on Opening Day.”
As Dodger fans recall, Jansen suffered an atrial fibrillation episode in August when the Dodgers were playing the Colorado Rockies at mile-high Coors Field. It was later reported that the high altitude can affect those with an irregular heartbeat at high altitude. As a result, the extremely popular Dodger closer completely skipped the team’s September series in Colorado after a cardiologist advised him that he would be at “high risk” of another incident.
This is the second time that Jansen has had heart surgery. After the 2012 season he underwent a catheter ablation in the left atrium to cauterize the damaged area and prevent it from generating abnormal electrical signals.
Get well and tell Dave no more country club spring training. Build up the arm strength and work on the mechanics when it doesn’t count; NOT during the regular season.
Amen!
It’s good to read that the surgery was successful and that Kenley is doing fine.