The Los Angeles Dodgers provided Scott Kazmir with several opportunities during Spring Training to sort out his mechanics and overcome hip trouble. But his velocity never reached its usual level and command remained an issue.
So, Kazmir was placed on the 10-day disabled list at the outset of the regular season. There wasn’t much to go by in terms of a possible return, and that still holds true. Kazmir pitched in a game at Camelback Ranch earlier this month and on Friday threw a bullpen session.
“It was four innings, 74 pitches,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He used his entire mix and velocity as I understand it, was 84-88 mph. I texted with him and he was pretty encouraged.”
Roberts wasn’t clear as to whether or not the southpaw faced hitters, nor did he elaborate on what may be the next step(s). Kazmir technically was eligible to come off the disabled list on Monday.
Whenever that may transpire, there presumably will first be a rehab assignment. Kazmir’s trouble dates back to last season when hip tightness evolved to back and neck issues.
It rendered him largely ineffective and forced the Dodgers to remove Kazmir early on multiple occasions. The last of which was Sept. 23, 2016, the same day Kazmir was reinstated from the disabled list.
An offseason focused on workouts that were aimed to alleviate the hip problem didn’t pay much, if any dividends. Kazmir went 0-1 with a 6.35 ERA and 2.12 WHIP in three Cactus League starts. Last November, the 33-year-old opted into the remaining two years and $32 million on his deal with the Dodgers.
