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The Dodgers' fifth starter battle between Carlos Frias and Zach Lee might not be an either/or proposition. Or perhaps I am just overreacting to Scott Kazmir leaving his start on Saturday against the Mariners in Peoria after just four innings with an abdominal issue.
Kazmir told reporters he was fine, and that he plans to make his next start. I was not in Peoria, so I present to you a collection of reports from the scene from those who were there in person.
Scott Kazmir talking to a member of the medical staff in the dugout. Keeps twisting and pressing on his abs. Not good.
— Doug Padilla (@DougPadilla) March 26, 2016
Scott Kazmir said he is healthy.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 26, 2016
Scott Kazmir left due to a minor abdominal issue, but repeated over and over that he felt fine. He said he will make his next start on 3/31.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) March 26, 2016
Kazmit said he did feel something in abdomen but was taken out as precaution. Said he is 100% good.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 26, 2016
Like Black Knight in Monty Python's Holy Grail, #Dodgers Scott Kazmir insists he's good, he's fine, no really he's good
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 26, 2016
Well, there was a little discomfort in his abdomen. But tests checked out fine. He will be heading back to the complex. But he's fine
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 26, 2016
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
Watch video from Doug Padilla of ESPN:
Roberts said Kazmir had abdominal discomfort. Tests indicate not serious.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 26, 2016
Dave Roberts said his understanding is Kazmir's ab injury is minor, but added, "We'll know more tomorrow."
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) March 26, 2016
Roberts joked with gallows humor -- "But don't hold me to that."
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 26, 2016
Later Saturday night, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said that after Kazmir received treatment back at Camelback Ranch he felt better, and it was nothing more than cramping from dehydration.
Kazmir threw 70 pitches in his four innings, allowing two runs on five hits, with five strikeouts and no walks, so he likely would have pitched just one more inning had he remained in the game. Much like his pattern has been all spring, Kazmir started off slow but rebounded on Saturday to retire 10 of his final 12 batters faced.