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Dodgers pitcher Kenley Jansen will work out with the team through Sunday but is expected to pitch for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic on Monday night. (Justin K. Aller / Getty Images / August 13, 2012) |
PHOENIX – Reliever Kenley Jansen said he has received permission from the Dodgers to leave spring training and join the Netherlands at the World Baseball Classic.
Jansen is from the Caribbean island nation of Curacao, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Jansen will work out with the Dodgers through Sunday and fly to San Francisco that night.
Jansen is expected to pitch in the Netherlands’ semifinal game on Monday night against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. He could also pitch in the final the following day, provided the Netherlands advance and he throws 20 or fewer pitches in the semifinals.
He is expected to be back in camp by Wednesday.
“I wanted to go from the beginning, but mentally and physically, I wasn’t ready,” said Jansen, who had a heart operation over the winter.
