Kenley Jansen could return early next week

We live in a strange world. A guy has a bum calf? Out for weeks or months. A guy has a freaking heart problem? No worries, bro:

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen said he’s significantly improved from his diagnosis of an irregular heartbeat and could return to action next Tuesday night when the club opens a three-game series at Washington.

“I’ve just been trying to stay in shape and stay sharp. I’m feeling great,” Jansen said prior to Wednesday night’s game against the D-backs at Chase Field. “

He can’t pitch until he’s a couple of days off the blood thinners he’s taking, but that ends on Friday. In the offseason he’s to undergo a procedure to correct his heart rhythm.

Viva medical science.

Mariners starter James Paxton was forced out of last night’s start against the Athletics after being hit by a Jed Lowrie line drive on his pitching arm after retiring only one batter (and after giving up a leadoff homer).

X-rays came back negative and after the game it was said he was day-to-day, but now it seems he is day-to-day-to-day-to-day-to-day-to-day-to-day-to-day-to-day-to-day. The M’s have put him on the, yep, 10-day disabled list.

Taking his place on the roster is Christian Bergman, 30, is in his 2nd stint with the Mariners this season, one in May and one in July. He’s 0–1 in those, having given up five earned runs in 11.1 innings with five strikeouts and two walks.

At the moment the M’s think Paxton might only miss one start, so don’t expect him to be gone for long.

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