With only 13 games remaining in the regular season, the Los Angeles Dodgers have multiple players attempting to work their way back from the disabled list. Among them is starting pitcher Scott Kazmir.
The 32-year-old was placed on the 15-day DL with neck inflammation on Aug. 23. That came the day after Kazmir only managed to pitch 2.2 innings, and it was then revealed he’d been dealing with back and neck trouble.
Kazmir threw a simulated game at Dodger Stadium during the final week of August and joined Triple-A Oklahoma City during the playoffs for a rehab start.
He suffered a setback, was removed in the first inning, and returned to Los Angeles for further examination. Kazmir was subsequently diagnosed with thoracic spine inflammation and projected to miss multiple weeks.
He was nonetheless scheduled to make another rehab start with Oklahoma City but they were eliminated from the Pacific Coast League championship. As a result, Kazmir threw a simulated game.
According to Andy McCullough of the LA Times, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Kazmir is now dealing with a blister:
Pitching in a simulated outing in Oklahoma City on Sunday, Scott Kazmir developed a blister on his left hand, Roberts said. Roberts was unaware of the severity of the blister, which he expected would be evaluated on Monday in Los Angeles.
The latest injury figures to put a significant dent in Kazmir’s hopes of returning this season. There’s a risk of aggravating the blister by rushing a return.
Considering that aspect, Kazmir’s struggles this year, and the Dodgers’ need to create room on the 40-man roster for Alex Wood, it may be of greater benefit for the club to transfer the southpaw to the 60-day disabled list.
Kazmir this season is 10-6 with a 4.59 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. His three-year, $48 million contract includes an opt-out clause after this season.
