Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced Scott Kazmir will start Friday against the Colorado Rockies. The news came on the heels of the rookie manager naming Brett Anderson the starter for Thursday’s series opener.
Kazmir last pitched for the Dodgers on Aug. 22, and he was placed on the 15-day disabled list with neck inflammation. After suffering a setback during a rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City, Kazmir returned to Los Angeles to be re-examined.
He was then diagnosed with thoracic spine inflammation and projected to miss multiple weeks. “It’s been a tough year for him, but where he’s at, we’re confident he can regain his form and pitch well for us,” Roberts said Wednesday.
“With Kaz, he’s been dealing with injuries for the second half of the season. 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.”
Prior to succumbing to his injury, Kazmir proved to be durable throughout the season while others in the rotation faltered. Even after overcoming the spine inflammation, the southpaw suffered another injury as he developed a blister after throwing a simulated game.
But health no longer appears to be an issue. “I’ve got complete confidence in our training staff and in Kaz that he feels good enough to give us a chance to win,” Roberts said. “I think his track record has to be given some credit.”
The rookie manager estimated Kazmir will throw 90 pitches in his first Major League start over the past month. The 32-year-old is 10-6 with a 4.59 ERA, 4.48 FIP and 1.35 WHIP in 25 starts.
Kazmir is in the first of a three-year, $48 million contract. His deal includes an opt-out clause after the 2016 season.
Roberts conceded the starts for Anderson and Kazmir will play a factor in the club’s decision on a potential Game 4 starter come the postseason. Though, Roberts said first and foremost is the importance for the Dodgers to win the games considering they’ve yet to clinch the National League West.
