Report: Kazmir diagnosed with thoracic spine inflammation

One of the many Dodgers pitchers on the shelf is going to stay there for the foreseeable future.

A few days after leaving his rehab start, Scott Kazmir was diagnosed with thoracic spine inflammation on Saturday, and there is no timetable for his return, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. The 32-year-old underwent a bone scan Friday in the thoracic region (upper back) and is awaiting the results.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was pessimistic when asked Friday about Kazmir's return to the rotation, saying the left-hander could be shut down for a "few weeks" if and when he returns.

The Dodgers' injury woes have been a point of discussion this season, as they became the first team in major-league history Friday to put 28 players on the disabled list. They are slowly starting to see players return, notably Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill, and Andre Ethier, who all rejoined the team recently.

Kazmir was placed on the 15-day DL on Aug. 22 after experiencing discomfort in his neck. He made one start for Triple-A Oklahoma, lasting only 2/3 of an inning giving up a solo home run while issuing two walks.

Kazmir signed a three-year, $48-million deal this past offseason, and in his first year with the Dodgers he's gone 10-6 with a 4.59 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 25 starts. His contract includes an opt out which he can exercise this winter.