The Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday reinstated Scott Kazmir from the 15-day disabled list. He follows in Brett Anderson’s footsteps by starting on the same night as returning. Both southpaws are seemingly vying to be the fourth starter in a potential postseason rotation.
Kazmir was put on the DL Aug. 23 with neck inflammation. He made a rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City 15 days later, but was removed from Game 3 of the Pacific Coast League championship series in the first inning due to suffering a setback.
Kazmir retired two of seven batters faced prior to coming out. A trainer checked on the southpaw after he hit his second batter of the inning. Upon returning to Los Angeles and undergoing further examination, Kazmir was diagnosed with thoracic spine inflammation.
While that appeared to suggest a return this season was in serious question, the 32-year-old was slated for another rehab start with Oklahoma City. But they were eliminated from the PCL championship, which led to the left-hander instead throwing a simulated game.
Kazmir developed a blister but is said to be in good health. “In talking to [pitching coach Rick Honeycutt] and Scott, he feels good and he’s in a good place. We have to see what we have with him,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said this week.
Kazmir is 10-6 with a 4.59 ERA, 4.48 FIP and 1.35 WHIP in 25 starts. With his return and Chris Taylor getting recalled from Oklahoma City, the Dodgers have 39 players on their active roster.
