Kenley Jansen ditches crutches, begins throwing program

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen showed up to Camelback Ranch on Tuesday morning without crutches, walking around in a walking boot four weeks after surgery to remove a bone growth in his left foot.

Jansen, who has been throwing very lightly recently using a chair to rest his knee, begins a throwing program on Monday without any assistance.

"He'll be able to stand, step on the boot and throw. It's a good day of Kenley to get off the crutches, be able to walk in the boot," manager Don Mattingly said. "It gets that process started, keeps his arms moving. He's been doing stuff without that, but now he's getting closer to putting the pieces together."

Jansen will soon be reevaluated by team doctors to determine his next step of rehabilitation, and which will also likely narrow down the timetable for his return. The initial estimate of Jansen pitching for the Dodgers in eight to 12 weeks after surgery has him ready anywhere from April 14 to May 11, approximately.