Closer Kenley Jansen out 8-12 weeks
LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen underwent surgery on his left foot and is expected to be out eight to 12 weeks, the team announced Tuesday.
Dodgers pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to the team's Arizona spring training camp Thursday.
Jansen reported discomfort after running last week, and subsequent tests showed a growth on one of the bones in his foot. Doctors removed the growth Tuesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The Dodgers said Jansen will be on crutches for about 10 days, then in a protective boot for another three to four weeks.
The Dodgers open their season April 6 against the San Diego Padres. Their bullpen already was something of a question mark after they finished with a higher bullpen ERA than all but three National League teams last season.
The Dodgers have no obvious short-term replacement for Jansen on the 40-man roster. Brandon League might be the likeliest candidate given his 74 career saves.
Lefty J.P. Howell has saved 21 games in his career. The Dodgers also added veteran Joel Peralta and younger pitchers Chris Hatcher, Juan Nicasio and Adam Liberatore this winter.
Jansen, 27, had a 2.76 ERA and 1.13 WHIP while saving 44 of his 49 opportunities last year.
The Dodgers had expressed little interest in any of the remaining free-agent relievers such as Francisco Rodriguez or Joba Chamberlain, but Jansen's injury could change their plans.
