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Kenley Jansen injury: Dodgers reliever energized after heart surgery

Dodgers pitcher Kenley Jansen had successful heart surgery last week, and he is already starting to feel positive effects.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Kenley Jansen is feeling rejuvenated following heart surgery, and he can already feel a rise in overall energy. Jansen said prior to the surgery he was having trouble getting through each day, but that has now changed, according to mlb.com.

Jansen was healthy enough to participate in a Halloween event on Monday, and reported that he is feeling well:

"I was dragging all day long at the end," he said. "I can tell I've got so much more energy. Now I look at this soccer field and just want to get out there and start playing. I'm feeling so good."

The third-year right-hander underwent ablation surgery last Tuesday to stop erratic electical signals. He appeared in 65 games in 2012 for the Dodgers, tossing 65 innings. He allowed just 33 hits in that time, while striking out 99 to just 22 walks. He held down the closer role for much of the year, saving 25 games with a 0.85 WHIP and 2.25 ERA.

He had to give up the closer role after having an episode that required blood-thinner medication, his second-such even in two seasons. Hopefully the surgery means those issues are in the past for the hard-throwing reliever.