Kenley Jansen was all smiles Friday after receiving final clearance to come off the blood-thinning medication that has prevented him from playing or practicing the last two weeks.
Jansen took an electrocardiogram test Thursday and expects the dose of Pradaxa he takes tonight will be his last. The 24-year-old pitcher reiterated that he’ll have surgery once the season is over.
In the meantime, he’s ready to pitch, but the team will wait at least four days for the blood-thinning medication to leave his system. The Dodgers begin a three-game series against the Nationals on Tuesday.
“If they want to give me the ball in the ninth inning, I’m ready,” he said. “I’m built for it.”
Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said he’d like to get Jansen into a non-save situation first, if the game situation allows it.
“Brandon (League) has thrown the ball well,” Mattingly said, “and I probably feel better If I get him out there … one time and go from there.”
Jansen still must take aspirin daily to manage his arrhythmia, but at least the pain of watching his team lose — the Dodgers are 5-10 since he last pitched — will be over soon.
“It’s hard,” he said. “I’m frustrated. I don’t want to think about it anymore.”