Dodgers Video: Jansen Throws Bullpen Session, Nearing Return
As Pedro Baez blew the save in the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2 extra-innings loss, closer Kenley Jansen is nearing a return.
The Dodgers bullpen have been a bit inconsistent early in the season and could use their hard-throwing right-hander to help put games away. Jansen underwent surgery on his left foot before Spring Training and was originally expected to be back in early May. As time went on, Jansen’s return became more of a mid-May expectation.
On Thursday at AT&T Park, the 27-year-old threw a bullpen session before the game via J.P. Hoornstra of the LA Daily News:
Jansen broke down his plan for the final steps of rehab:
Jansen said that he is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Saturday at Petco Park, then pitch a simulated game next Tuesday at Dodger Stadium. If he doesn’t experience a setback in the meantime, a minor-league rehab assignment will follow.
If all goes well, Jansen could possibly begin his rehab assignment with the Dodgers Advanced-A affiliate, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes over the weekend of May 1. The Quakes will be at home that weekend and the Dodgers will be at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks. It’s unclear how many rehab games Jansen will need before he is considered ready to go.
The right-hander has yet to report any pain in his foot; however, he has mentioned that he will not rush the process and that the lack of pain will not cause him to do more than his body allows.
Don Mattingly and the Dodgers will hope that everything goes well for Jansen and that he will be back closing games out sooner rather than later.
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