Atlanta Braves’ Kenley Jansen put on IL with irregular heartbeat
The Atlanta Braves have placed closer Kenley Jansen on the 15-day injured list with an irregular heartbeat, the team announced Tuesday.
The move was made retroactive to Monday when Jansen felt discomfort, manager Brian Snitker said.
Jansen underwent corrective heart surgery — his second procedure — in November 2018 after a recurrence of an irregular heartbeat prompted him to be admitted into a Denver hospital in early August 2018.
He initially underwent a cardiac ablation in 2012, when abnormal tissue in the left atrium of his heart was cauterized in order to stop from generating abnormal electrical signals.
Jansen, 34, gave up two runs in the ninth to blow a 2-0 lead in an 11-inning, 5-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday night. It was Jansen’s fourth blown save in 24 chances.
The right-hander, who signed a $16 million deal with the Braves in March after spending his first 12 MLB seasons with the Dodgers, is 4-0 with 20 saves this season. He has a 3.58 ERA and 47 strikeouts.
“He’s been unbelievable,” Snitker said. “Having him has allowed us to use our bullpen depth.”
Will Smith or A.J. Minter could be called upon to close out games in Jansen’s absence. They are a combined 2 for 7 in save opportunities this year.
“It’s another injury you have to deal with,” Snitker said. “You can never have enough pitching. We have guys down there who have closed a lot of ballgames.”
A three-time All-Star, Jansen is second among active pitchers with 370 career saves.
The Braves recalled Jesus Cruz to take Jansen’s place on the active roster.
Also Tuesday, Braves manager Brian Snitker said outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. has remained in Atlanta to receive treatment on his left foot but could rejoin the team in the next two days. Atlanta opened a series against the Phillies in Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
Acuna fouled a ball off his left foot Saturday against the Dodgers and did not play in the series finale the next day. Tests showed no fracture, but the star outfielder said he couldn’t put pressure on the foot.
In other moves, left-hander Tyler Matzek is set to begin a rehabilitation assignment with Class A Augusta on Tuesday night, and right-hander Jay Jackson will continue his rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Gwinnett.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.