Dodgers’ Jansen returns earlier than expected after irregular heartbeat

Los Angeles Dodgers' Kenley Jansen. (David J. Phillip/AP)

LOS ANGELES — All-Star closer Kenley Jansen has been activated off the disabled list for the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier than expected after being cleared by a cardiologist.

Manager Dave Roberts says Jansen is available for Monday night’s series opener against St. Louis.

Jansen hasn’t pitched since Aug. 7 and was on the 10-day DL after being hospitalized for an irregular heartbeat on Aug. 9 when the team was in Denver to play the Rockies.

Jansen was initially expected to miss about a month. He was previously treated for an irregular heartbeat in 2011 and 2012. He has said it’s likely he’ll need off-season surgery to deal with the issue.

"It’s a huge lift," Roberts said. "He’s the best in the game, so it changes the way they’re (Cardinals) going to manage."

Jansen is 0-3 with 32 saves and a 2.15 ERA in 51 games. The Dodgers’ bullpen has a 5.17 ERA since Jansen went out.

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