Braves place Kenley Jansen on injured list with irregular heartbeat (UPDATED)

Kenley Jansen is headed to the 15-day injured list due to an irregular heartbeat. The move is backdated to June 27 which was Monday’s off day. Right-hander Jesús Cruz has been recalled to fill Jansen’s spot on the roster.

Jansen has appeared in 32 games for the Braves while posting a 3.58 ERA, 2.18 FIP and a 36.4% strikeout rate in 32 2/3 innings. Jansen dealt with the same condition back in 2018 while with the Dodgers. He underwent successful heart surgery that November to correct the problem. A.J. Minter and Will Smith are the likely candidates to fill in at closer while Jansen is out.

Cruz was optioned to Gwinnett on June 20 as the Braves were forced to cut down to the limit of 13 pitchers. He pitched well in a small sample allowing four hits and one run over six innings.

Additionally, the Braves confirmed that Tyler Matzek will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with Augusta. Reliever Jay Jackson began a rehab assignment on June 23 in the FCL and will join Gwinnett this week.

UPDATE - The Athletic’s David O’Brien reports that the Braves expect Jansen to be back as soon as he is eligible to return from the injured list and that he will be able to continue to work out and throw bullpen sessions.