If Scott Kazmir’s first start of 2017 Spring Training was a microcosm of his debut season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday’s outing against the Colorado Rockies was a carbon copy. Kazmir threw a scoreless first inning then couldn’t past his first pitch in the second.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and head athletic trainer Nate Lucero made a trip to the mound, and returned to the dugout with the left-hander in tow. Kazmir was removed due to (left) hip tightness, which is an injury he battled throughout last season.
The issue on Monday surfaced while Kazmir warmed up for his start. The latest bout with hip trouble left Kazmir frustrated, via Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
“The frustration is through the roof right now,” he said. “It’s definitely frustrating. I’m not able to show everyone, show the fans, show my teammates, what I’m capable of doing.”
An MRI may be in order but the Dodgers are first going to take a wait-and-see approach with the 33-year-old. Kazmir spent the offseason seeking treatment to alleviate his recurring hip issues, and this spring worked on improving his mechanics and delivery.
Last year, the balky hip, which prevents Kazmir from gaining full extension and push off his back leg, radiated up his back and into his neck. Kazmir was placed on the disabled list last August due what was later diagnosed as thoracic spine inflammation.
He returned late-September, though only managed to complete one inning in his first start since being reinstated, and was subsequently put back on the DL with right intercostal (muscles between ribs) spasms.
Kazmir never pitched again last season after Sept. 23. He finished the year 10-6 with a 4.56 ERA, 4.48 FIP and 1.36 WHIP in 26 starts. Last November, Kazmir declined to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract, and thus has two years and $32 million remaining on his deal.
The left-hander turned in a scoreless frame against the San Francisco Giants last week but struggled with control in the second inning and was chased. Kazmir said he grew lazy and as a result, his mechanics suffered.
