Los Angeles Dodgers' Jansen (heart) skipping Colorado trip

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen will be held out of this weekend's series at the Colorado Rockies at his cardiologist's recommendation due to potential heart risks at elevation.

Jansen, 30, missed nearly two weeks last month due to an irregular heartbeat, a problem that first returned while he was in Denver on a Dodgers road trip. The high elevation can exacerbate the problem.

"Whenever we get that decision from the doctor, it's sort of a no-brainer, but you have to applaud Kenley for feeling good and wanting to still kind of see it through," manager Dave Roberts said. "But we sometimes have to take it out of the player's hands to do what is best for him."

Jansen, who will join the Dodgers in Cincinnati on Monday as they continue their road trip, tweeted a message to fans, writing: '@Dodgers fans, as u heard, I won't be making the trip to COL. Dr.'s orders. I want to help my team at any cost, but must listen to Dr., To be honest, w/you (heart) issues are scary. Doing great though. I'll join a team after COL, continue pushing toward the postseason."

The right-hander underwent a catheter ablation in 2012 to deal with atrial fibrillation, and he said last month that he might need a second heart surgery in the offseason to address the issue.

The Dodgers finish a three-game series Wednesday at home against the New York Mets before they visit the Rockies for games Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

In Jansen's recent absence, the Dodgers' bullpen was abysmal, blowing leads in seven consecutive games during one stretch and losing five of those contests.

Upon returning to action Aug. 20, Jansen gave up homers in each of his first three outings, taking two losses and blowing a save chance. However, he is on a run of two saves and a win in his past three outings, having thrown one scoreless inning in each of those games.

For the season, Jansen is 1-5 with a 2.93 ERA and 34 saves in 38 chances.

In Jansen's absence, newly acquired reliever Ryan Madson might be the first in line for save opportunities. The 38-year-old veteran had four saves for the Washington Nationals earlier this season, and he has 91 career saves.