Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Scott Kazmir from the 15-day disabled list on Friday and he started the second of a four-game series against the Colorado Rockies. Kazmir allowed a leadoff single and withstood a Chase Utley error to get through a scoreless first inning.
However, the southpaw was replaced by Ross Stripling at the start of the second inning. The Dodgers announced Kazmir’s removal was due to right intercostal (muscles between ribs) spasms. It’s unclear if the delayed start time for the Vin Scully on-field ceremony played a role.
Kazmir was put on the DL with neck inflammation on Aug. 23. He suffered a setback in a rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City and was diagnosed with thoracic spinal inflammation.
The 32-year-old then developed a blister after throwing a simulated game that took the place of a second rehab start as Oklahoma City was eliminated from the Pacific Coast League championship series.
Kazmir’s latest injury woes may eliminate him from consideration for a potential postseason rotation. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence the left-hander was healthy enough to come off the DL and contribute.
Roberts added the club needed to see what Kazmir was capable of after last pitching for the Dodgers on Aug. 22. “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,” Roberts said.
Kazmir entered Friday’s start 10-6 with a 4.59 ERA, 4.48 FIP and 1.35 WHIP. He’s in the first of a three-year, $48 million contract. The deal includes an opt-out clause after the 2016 season.
The Dodgers presumably will now look at Brett Anderson, Brandon McCarthy, and perhaps Jose De Leon and Brock Stewart as the primary candidates to fill out their rotation in the playoffs.
