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Scott Kazmir Reportedly Will Be Released by Braves
March 24, 2018
The Atlanta Braves will reportedly release veteran starting pitcher Scott Kazmir, according to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Atlanta acquired Kazmir along with infielder Charlie Culberson, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy in an offseason trade that sent outfielder Matt Kemp to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Per Spotrac, Kazmir had one year and $16 million remaining on his contract.
The 34-year-old missed the entire 2017 campaign with a hip injury.
In five spring appearances for the Braves, the lefty went 0-1 with a 4.22 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and four strikeouts across 10.2 innings.
Kazmir is a three-time All-Star who has pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics, Houston Astros and Dodgers during his career.
After making the All-Star team in 2014 and posting a 3.10 ERA in 2015, Kazmir regressed to the tune of a 10-6 record with a 4.56 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 134 strikeouts in 26 starts for the Dodgers in 2016.
Kazmir's spring performance with the Dodgers left plenty to be desired, but he has a strong track record.
With a career record of 108-96, a 4.01 ERA and 8.6 strikeouts per nine innings, Kazmir has enjoyed his fair share of success.
Because of that, it is possible another organization will give him a chance, even if it is only as a southpaw reliever.
Since Kazmir is out of the fold, the Braves figure to move forward with Julio Teheran, Mike Foltynewicz, McCarthy, Sean Newcomb and Anibal Sanchez in their starting rotation.