Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Kenley Jansen looks set to miss the remainder of spring training after having surgery on his left foot.

The Dodgers released the following press release, via Jon Weisman of the MLBlogs Network:

This morning at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, Dodger pitcher Kenley Jansen underwent surgery to remove a growth from a bone in his left foot. This was discovered when Kenley reported discomfort while running last week. A subsequent X-Ray, MRI and CT scan showed the problem in the 5th metatarsal of his left foot.  The surgery was performed by Drs. Earl Brien and David Thordarson under the direction of Dr. Neal Elattrache.

Jansen will be on crutches for about 10 days and then a boot for 3-4 weeks. How he progresses during the rehab process will determine his return to competition, but it is expected to be approximately 8-12 weeks.

Jansen solidified himself as an excellent closer last season, finishing the season 2-3 with 44 saves, a 2.76 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 101 strikeouts in 65.1 innings pitched. His strikeout rate was particularly impressive, per ESPN Stats & Information:

With the possibility that Jansen could miss the opening of the season, the Dodgers may be in the market to add some depth to the bullpen. While Jansen should recover and resume his role as the team’s closer without missing too much of the regular season, the Dodgers also need to set up a contingency plan for the first month or two, depending on his recovery. 

Jansen will be expected to come back and reestablish himself as one of the National League’s best closers. In the interim, however, the Dodgers would be wise to explore ways to improve the bullpen.

 

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