In similar fashion to last spring, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching depth has become a necessity rather than a luxury. As it stands, Pedro Baez, Scott Kazmir, Josh Ravin, Sergio Romo and Brock Stewart have all battled some form of injury.
Kazmir’s (hip) and Stewart’s (shoulder) troubles impacted the competition for the two available spots in the Dodgers starting rotation. Kazmir’s first start came March 1 against the San Francisco Giants, when he earned the nod over Hyun-Jin Ryu.
The left-hander had a strong first inning but struggled with command in the second. Kazmir next took the mound March 6 against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields. He was removed after throwing one pitch in the second inning.
Since that point Kazmir has been limited to a bullpen session, simulated game, and advanced to pitching in a Minor League game on Tuesday. The 4.1 innings of work were encouraging enough that the Dodgers next plan to send Kazmir to the mound in a Cactus League game, according to Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:
The Dodgers have kept Kazmir away from the Cactus League since he experienced tightness in his left hip in early March, but Roberts said Kazmir would face big league hitters in his next outing. The radar gun clocked Kazmir’s fastball around 87 mph, Roberts said.
The increased velocity is an area Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently highlighted as needing to be improved. Beyond mechanical issues Kazmir has worked to sort out, velocity, or lack thereof, has been a point of concern. His fastball hovered in the low 80s during a simulated game.
Kazmir has thrown a combined 2.2 innings, allowed two runs (one earned), issued two walks and struck out a pair over his two Cactus League starts.
While the Dodgers have not announced their rotation beyond Clayton Kershaw starting Thursday, Kazmir could slot in to start Sunday on normal rest. Wednesday’s off day is the last for Los Angeles until their exhibition schedule concludes Saturday, April 2.
