Four-fifths of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ expected starting rotation faced hitters from High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday at Dodger Stadium in a simulated game. The group was headlined by Clayton Kershaw, and included Brett Anderson, Scott Kazmir and Brandon McCarthy.
The quartet of starters currently reside on the disabled list, with Kershaw on the 60-day DL, having last pitched in a Major League game June 26. Kazmir became the 27th different player the Dodgers put on the disabled list this season.
That tied the 2012 Boston Red Sox team for most in the Majors. Kazmir’s DL stint came after he attempted to push through neck/back trouble.
With his mechanics compromised, the southpaw seemingly bottomed out on Aug. 22 against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark, allowing four runs on six hits in just 2.2 innings pitched.
Just over one week since Kazmir has been put on the DL, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he’s recovering ahead of Anderson and McCarthy, via Andy McCullough of the LA Times:
Roberts indicated Kazmir is the closest to rejoining the Dodgers. Anderson and McCarthy may require minor -league outings.
Kazmir is eligible to come off the disabled list on Sept. 7. He’s 10-6 with a 4.59 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. The 32-year-old had gone at least six innings in just four of his past 10 starts.
The Dodgers signed Kazmir to a three-year, $48 million contract during the offseason. His deal includes an opt-out clause after the 2016 season and deferred salaries over six years. Kazmir reportedly cleared trade waivers last week.
