Suffice to say, Scott Kazmir has had a rough go of it since signing a three-year, $48 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers last December.
He was pushed around in his first two Cactus League starts, which prompted the southpaw to pitch in a B game on a backfield at camelback ranch. Kazmir returned to spring training action with improved command, velocity and results.
However, some of that was short-lived, and he’s been inconsistent during the regular season. Despite Kazmir’s up-and-down starts, he’s maintained a positive outlook, and so too has Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
After allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits over 4.2 innings against the New York Mets, Kazmir said he was closing in on where he wanted to be.
The southpaw reached his highest point of success this season on Saturday, spinning 8.2 strong innings against the St. Louis Cardinals in his best start since joining the Dodgers. Kazmir attributed the outing to having his full arsenal of pitches working, according to Jack Baer of MLB.com:
“I felt like every pitch was working for me,” Kazmir said. “I was able to get ahead in the count and had a good fastball today. I was able to keep hitters honest with the changeup away, cutter in — just mix it in and out. That was the key.”
Had Kazmir not allowed a two-run homer in the ninth, the 32 year old likely would’ve put a complete game in the books. Kazmir’s fastball velocity sat in the 92-95 mph range throughout the night; he hit 94 on the radar gun in the ninth inning.
That may be further indication Kazmir has overcome the left wrist/thumb issue that’s plagued him. However, he still is limited at the plate, and likely won’t get many hacks in moving forward. Kazmir did manage to reach on a bunt single in the fifth inning, which helped lead to the Dodgers scoring three runs.
Kazmir is now 3-3 on the season with a 4.89 ERA, 5.15 FIP and 1.28 WHIP over eight starts.
