Dodgers News: Scott Kazmir Will Start Sunday
Maybe this’ll help clear a muddy situation.
Scott Kazmir returns from injury Sunday to face the Texas Rangers, according to Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times.
Scott Kazmir will start on Sunday against the Rangers.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) March 24, 2017
Kazmir was plagued by the hip tightness that haunted him last season. His velocity has dipped, and despite rising to 87 mph, is still four mph lower than 2016.
[graphiq id=”94tshu6TxTD” title=”Scott Kazmir 2016 Pitch Selection” width=”600″ height=”603″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/94tshu6TxTD” ]
Dave Roberts said Kazmir simply wasn’t where he needed to be. Apparently he has risen enough to take the hill, but it may be too little too late.
Brandon McCarthy and Alex Wood are the leaders for the two open rotation spots, with Hyun-Jin Ryu making a strong push. Kazmir has fallen out of the picture.
The Dodgers could try to fit Kazmir in the bullpen. They could also just designate him for assignment and eat the contract. L.A. will hope he shows something positive in his last couple of spring starts and they can trade him, though that’s optimistic right now.
Los Angeles is rich in pitching depth, but Kazmir is being phased out. The only thing known amongst all is Opening Day is nine days away, and there will be a resolution by then.
[button color=”red” size=”big” alignment=”center” rel=”follow” openin=”newwindow” url=”https://dodgersnation.com/watch-clayton-kershaw-chase-utley-star-blowout-tv0216/2017/03/23/”]Clayton Kershaw and Chase Utley impress in the Dodgers’ win[/button]
