Closer Kenley Jansen of Los Angeles Dodgers went ahead and explained the reason why he stopped taking the medication prescribed to him to treat his heart condition, atrial fibrillation. Jansen had spent 11 days on DL due to an irregular heartbeat. He made a comeback 0-2 with a save while allowing seven hits, five runs as well as four home runs in the three one-inning appearances he made in the previous week.
Jansen termed his last week’s performance as his worst one in the major league. “I don’t want to make excuses,” Jansen said, as per Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. “But it’s like you’re sleepwalking out there. It makes your whole body go slow. I felt sleepy all the time.”
Jansen further said that he expected the first day would be better but then the second day also was the same and so was the third one. He then thought of doing something and to get off the medicines. “It might be making sure my heart doesn’t stop. But I told my doctor I couldn’t pitch like this,” he added.
He gave up two home runs on August 20 against the St Louis Cardinals and added a loss two nights later by surrendering three hits and earning just two runs in a 3-1 defeat.
Jansen later served a 5-4 win on August 25 over the Padres when he blew his 4th save and allowing just one home run to Austin Hedges during the 9th inning. Luckily, Justin Turner’s 12 innings double let the Los Angeles avoid another unfortunate setback.
Jansen further said that he has been off the medication since Sunday and has already feeling certain improvements. Moreover, his doctors have also confirmed that his cardiologist has confirmed of him being ‘safe’ without the medications. However, despite him being off the medications, Jansen yet struggled in Tuesday’s game where the Dodgers won 8-4 against the Texas Rangers.
