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Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen undergoes heart surgery

Kenley Jansen

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen throws against the Cincinnati Reds in a baseball game, Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)

AP

Right-hander Kenley Jansen, who missed three weeks down the stretch with an irregular heartbeat, underwent a heart procedure on Tuesday and will spend the night in the hospital.

According to the Dodgers, Jansen had ablation surgery to restore his heart’s rhythm. He’s expected to go home Wednesday, and he’ll be able to resume physical activity in 7-10 days.

Jansen had a 2.35 ERA and 25 saves as the Dodgers’ closer this season, though he didn’t get his job back after returning for the final two weeks of the season. One of the league’s most dominant relievers when he’s on, he struck out 99 and allowed just 33 hits in 65 innings of work. There’s a good chance he’ll be restored to the closer’s role next year, though since the Dodgers don’t lack for funds, it’s possible someone more experienced could be brought in, with Jansen then serving as an eighth-inning guy.