After finishing last season on the disabled list, Scott Kazmir spent the winter working to sort through hip trouble that compromised his mechanics. That included exercises and treatment aimed at creating more flexibility in the balky hip.
He made his 2017 debut March 1 against the San Francisco Giants, receiving the nod over Hyun-Jin Ryu. The start produced mixed results, which was often the case with Kazmir last season. He attributed the inconsistency to growing lazy with his mechanics in the second inning.
The following start five days later spelled doom for Kazmir. He was removed after throwing just one pitch in the second inning, and later diagnosed with hip tightness. An MRI came back negative, though the southpaw was removed from the rotation.
After time spent throwing bullpen sessions and pitching in a simulated and Minor League games, Kazmir returned to the rotation Sunday. It was more of the same as he struggled with command and fastball velocity left plenty to be desired.
On Monday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the 33-year-old will begin the season on the disabled list, because of the recurring hip trouble, per Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:
Scott Kazmir will start the season on the DL. "It's something with the hip," Dave Roberts said.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) March 27, 2017
Immediately after Kazmir’s start, Roberts conceded he was not pitching to the level necessary that would warrant him remaining part of the conversation for the Dodgers’ rotation.
In three Cactus League starts, Kazmir went 0-1 with a 6.35 ERA and 2.12 WHIP. He issued at least two walks in two of the three starts, including five on Sunday. Kazmir also hit two batters in the start against the Texas Rangers.
Upon deciding against opting out of his contract with the Dodgers last November, Kazmir is owed $40 million of the three-year, $48 million deal he signed prior to the 2016 season.
Others slated to begin the 2017 season on the disabled list include relievers Pedro Baez and Josh Ravin, and outfielder Andre Ethier.
