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In one of the most bizarre series of events we have seen so far this season, Dodgers' closer Kenley Jansen was deemed "unavailable" by the team during last night's game, and did not see action as the club's bullpen imploded in the ninth inning as struggles from three relievers led to a 7-6 loss to the Rockies. After the game, the club's unusual handling of the situation led to widespread speculation about what was going on with Jansen, due in part to actions by the closer and his manager, Don Mattingly:
- Jansen declined to speak with reporters after the game, telling a team spokesperson that he would not be speaking despite the crowd of scribes gathered around his locker
- Mattingly was extremely vague in addressing the situation, saying: "I don't know who wants to talk about it. I'm not the one who wants to talk about it, though. He was unavailable," and also noting that Jansen's availability changed at some point during the game.
- A team spokesperson told reporters that "Kenley wasn't feeling well and was unavailable", with no further explanation.
Sending my prayers to #Dodgers and closer @kenleyjansen74
— Rick Sutcliffe (@Sut_ESPN) June 4, 2015
An update from moments after this was published:
Sources: #Dodgers’ Jansen to be checked today. Was not feeliing well; may simply have been dehydration and altitude in Colorado.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 4, 2015
Jansen’s issue not believed to be heart-related. Checkup seen as precautionary. Sources indicating that he is expected to be fine.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 4, 2015