Kenley Jansen reports to Summer Camp after COVID-19 recovery
by Rowan Kavner
Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen has reported to Summer Camp after recovering from COVID-19.
Jansen said his son Kaden first got the virus, at which point it made its way around the Jansen household. After testing positive about three weeks ago, Jansen and his family have since recovered.
“It is real,” Jansen said. “It is serious. Everyone in the world, just take it serious. Wear your mask at all times if you can. Trust me, it happens so fast.”
During the time off after Spring Training was suspended, the Curacao native was in Los Angeles where it was easier to stay ready for the season because of his in-home gym. He said Kaden caught a fever of 102 degrees in the middle of the night, and his son tested positive for the virus. Jansen originally tested negative but another test revealed a positive.
“We tried to do everything, but we all got it in the house,” said Jansen, who was unsure how Kaden first got the virus. “It happened so fast.”
Jansen said he was symptomatic but started feeling better after a few days. He said he wanted to keep the positive test private so he wouldn’t be a distraction for his teammates, but Justin Turner and other teammates reached out to him to offer support upon hearing the news.
“That’s a good thing that you have teammates that feel like family,” Jansen said. “When they text you, it makes you feel like you want to bounce back, you want to fight this virus. There’s no time to feel sorry for yourself in that moment.”
Jansen, who has undergone multiple procedures to address a heart condition, said it was scary to receive the positive test. But he was determined to beat it as quickly as possible.
He stayed hydrated, absorbing electrolytes and drinking hot water with lemon and ginger, and moved around as much as he could. He kept a strict diet, lowering his sodium intake and staying away from dairy to keep his blood pressure down to take care of his heart. He feels lucky the illness didn’t impact his family as much as it did others who tested positive.
Manager Dave Roberts said things always hit home more when “one of your own” is affected. He said he reached out to Jansen a few times while the closer was home.
“He looks like he’s in good shape,” Roberts said. “He’s been active. I know he’s thrilled to death to be back with his teammates. I think it was great for him to come out and be honest, and I thought it was his story to tell. Now, we can move forward and get to playing baseball again.”
Jansen already threw a bullpen session a couple days ago. Roberts said he thinks Jansen can get four appearances in against hitters before the season begins, which should be enough to be ready for Opening Day.
Jansen said he never considered opting out, and because of how he stayed in shape during the time off he feels like he’ll still be ready for the season.
“I always wanted to play,” Jansen said. “I love this game. I want to do it for the fans. We’re all going through a tough time right now in this world together, and I think this is a good thing not only for Dodger fans but for baseball fans around the world to have something to watch on TV.”
