What to Make of Scott Kazmir Following Tonight’s Win
Scott Kazmir picked up the win Tuesday night, thanks in part to an offensive explosion, to move his record to 2-2 on the year. Kazmir went 6 and 2/3 innings, striking out nine and walking only one. However, the lefty struggled most of the night after allowing four earned on seven hits. It continues a trend that has to be very concerning for Dave Roberts and the staff.
Video Highlights: Dodgers Defeat Rays 10-5
Evan Longoria had no issue turning on Kazmir’s 1-2 90 MPH fastball in the 1st:
.@Evan3Longoria drives in Brandon Guyer to put the @RaysBaseball ahead. Watch live now on FOX Sports Sun.https://t.co/jMw4GMT9Yd
— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) May 3, 2016
Kazmir now sports a 5.68 ERA, which is lower than his 5.76 ERA heading into the game, but still nothing to be proud of. His average fastball velocity so far this season is down to 91.51 MPH, which is a telltale sign that his best days are behind him. Kazmir will have to learn to locate his pitches better moving forward or else the Dodgers could be looking for a new number three on the staff.
Great performance by Kaz. I know he has it in him, just keep doing it.
They are going to be stuck with this guy for three years. And he’s only going to get worse.
Do you remember this FO saying that they’re not worried by his lost of velocity? As mentioned in this article, if this guy can’t locate his pitches, he will be a lost cause. Maeda’s fastball tops off at 89 mph, but because he’s a locater with speed changes, he’s lights out.
Great pitching. I was hoping he could complete the game but 8 2/3 ain’t bad.