Kazmir stresses he's 'good' after early exit
Scott Kazmir, who signed a three-year, $48-million deal with the Dodgers during the offseason, set off alarm bells Saturday when he left his start after just four innings and 70 pitches.
Los Angeles has high hopes for the oft-injured lefty, with three starters slated to begin the season on the disabled list, and another half-dozen position players either ruled out as well or nursing nagging injuries.
Kazmir, whose exit Saturday against the Mariners was officially described as being due to "abdominal discomfort," insisted to reporters he won't be just another number in what's become a painful spring for the defending National League West champions.
During approx 4 minute interview, Scott Kazmir said "I'm good" "We're good" "We are definitely good" or version of that 13 times #unlucky13
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 26, 2016
Kazmir (smiling the whole time): "It’s been a tough spring for the team. I just definitely don’t want to be on that list now because (cont)
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 26, 2016
Kazmir (cont): "I’m definitely not. I’m good. I’m 100 percent good. ... I don’t know how many different ways I can tell you guys. I’m good."
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 26, 2016
Kazmir is penciled in as the No. 2 pitcher in a rotation that will open the season without Brett Anderson, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Tommy John patient Brandon McCarthy. The club also lost Andre Ethier to a fractured tibia last week, and is managing through a litany of smaller injuries to Corey Seager, Yasmani Grandal, and Howie Kendrick.
Manager Dave Roberts said Kazmir's exit was precautionary, and that tests revealed no cause for concern. He's expected to make his next start.