When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Scott Kazmir to a three-year, $48 million contract during the offseason, optics suggested he was added to the rotation as Zack Greinke’s replacement.
Considering the historic season Greinke was coming off, there truly wasn’t any replacing him. Kazmir’s first season with the Dodgers has been far from picturesque. Though, the southpaw has managed to remain healthy while several others in the rotation have landed on the disabled list.
That durability is drew praise from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who regularly has shed an optimistic light on the season Kazmir is having.
However, the 32-year-old southpaw has voiced plenty of frustration with the ups-and-downs he’s endured throughout the year. After facing the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 10, Kazmir said he was mired in a particularly infuriating stretch.
He reiterated that sentiment Wednesday night, again after a start against the Phillies, per ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick
“Honestly, it’s complete frustration,” Kazmir said. “I know what I’m capable of doing. It’s one thing to [pitch] every five days, but it’s another thing to really go out there and get it done and go deep into the ballgame.”
Kazmir allowed two runs on eight hits in five-plus innings. He surrendered a leadoff home run in the sixth followed by back-to-back singles. His removal was nearly identical to the situation Grant Dayton inherited on Aug. 10.
But rather than give up the lead, Dayton worked himself out of a jam after a third single loaded the bases with no outs. Kazmir earned the win, which snapped his three-game losing streak.
On the season he’s 10-6 with a 4.41 ERA, 4.46 FIP and 1.31 WHIP. Kazmir’s 9.0 strikeouts per nine innings is his best clip since the 2013, though he’s allowed 21 home runs, which is only four off from a career-worst mark.
