Scott Kazmir to remain with Dodgers, won’t opt out of contract

Starting pitcher Scott Kazmir will reportedly return to the Dodgers, choosing not to exercise the opt-out clause in his contract, instead remaining with the club for 2017 and 2018, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

Kazmir has $32 million remaining on his three-year, $48 million deal, signed last winter. The left-hander will earn $16 million in each of the next two seasons, with $8 million each season deferred to 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Kazmir was 10-6 with a 4.56 ERA and 4.48 FIP in 26 starts for the Dodgers in 2016, with 134 strikeouts and 52 walks in 136⅓ innings. He led the staff with 21 home runs allowed.

Injuries to his neck, back and ribs adversely affected Kazmir’s delivery and cut short his season, and he was diagnosed with thoracic spinal inflammation in September.

The Dodgers have $119.3 million committed to 12 players in 2017, which includes three players not on the 40-man roster. In addition, the club has $29.5 million in dead money for players no longer in the organization.

There are 38 players on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.