Jansen has left foot surgery, out 8-12 weeks
Dodgers closer sidelined after removal of growth from bone
PHOENIX -- The Dodgers will open the season without closer Kenley Jansen, who underwent surgery on his left foot on Tuesday and will be sidelined an estimated eight to 12 weeks.
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers' president of baseball operations, hinted that because Jansen's absence is expected to be relatively short term, the club won't rush out and acquire an expensive closer. Among those on the free-agent market are Francisco Rodriguez and Rafael Soriano.
• MLB.com closer report | Fantasy reliever rankings
"We are always on the lookout for ways to improve our team," Friedman said. "That said, we will most likely take time this spring to assess guys in our camp and then go from there."
Based on the club's estimate, Jansen could be out until mid-May, missing one-quarter of the season. The untimely injury helps explain why the Dodgers have been rumored to be shopping for relief help in recent days.
The club has former closer Brandon League in the bullpen, but did not retain free agents (and former closers) Brian Wilson and Chris Perez from last year. Instead, trades were made to acquire Joel Peralta, Chris Hatcher and Juan Nicasio to vie for right-handed setup duties. J.P. Howell is the main lefty.
The Dodgers have signed former closers Sergio Santos and David Aardsma to Minor League contracts with invitations to Major League Spring Training.
According to the club, Jansen last week reported discomfort while running and underwent a series of tests that revealed a growth on the fifth metatarsal. Jansen had been working out at Dodger Stadium.
Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Hospital to remove the growth was performed by Drs. Earl Brien and David Thordarson under the direction of team Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Brien is a specialist in bone tumors and Thordarson is a specialist in foot and ankle surgery.
Jansen will be on crutches for 10 days and in a boot for three to four weeks, according to the club.
In 68 appearances last season, the 27-year-old Jansen posted a 2.76 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP. He recorded 44 saves in 50 opportunities. Jansen agreed to a one-year contract with the Dodgers last month for $7.425 million.