Los Angeles Angels' Scott Kazmir Scratched from Start

Update

The Angels placed Kazmir on the 15-day DL yesterday. Kazmir pitched five innings against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, so this appears to be just a precaution.

Kazmir will use the time he will miss to build stamina in his shoulder. He will make two minor league starts and if all goes well he will rejoin the Angels for their April 13th series against the New York Yankees.

Matt Palmer will take Kazmir’s spot in the rotation.

I wrote earlier this week that Kazmir was the “Key” to the Angels’ season.

Original Post: March 27, 2010

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim’s Scott Kazmir was scratched from his start on Thursday against the Texas Rangers because of a stiff throwing shoulder. In other words, Kazmir is hurt.

Here are some other things are that are guaranteed to happen:

Nick Johnson will land on the DL at some point during the season.

Lost will throw in a new twist every week.

Gus Johnson’s head will explode on a game-winning shot.

The Pittsburgh Pirates will have a losing season.

Taxes.

You will find the best bagels in NYC.

The Enrico Palazzo scene in The Naked Gun will always make me laugh.

Kazmir is a great talent—there is no doubt about that—but he is always hurt. He will be entering his seventh year now in the majors and he has only made 30 plus starts twice in his career.

With his declining strikeout rate and his propensity for getting injured, Kazmir is what he is these days—a solid No. 2 or three starter on a good club. I no longer consider him a future ace in waiting. Those days are long gone for Kazmir.

Kazmir is hoping to make his next start on March 30.

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