:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50776563/usa-today-9392337.0.jpg)
LOS ANGELES — Dodgers pitcher Scott Kazmir has been diagnosed with thoracic spine inflammation with no timetable for his return, the team announced on Saturday.
Kazmir had a bone scan on Friday that revealed his condition.
The left-hander was on the 15-day DL with inflammation in his neck, and last pitched for the Dodgers on Aug. 22. Kazmir made a minor league rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City in Game 1 of their Pacific Coast League playoffs on Wednesday, but left after just seven batters, walking off the mound with team trainers.
At the very least, the club hasn’t yet completely ruled out the idea that Kazmir might pitch again this season, because they could have placed him on the 60-day disabled list — which would have officially ended his 2016 -- to make room for Andre Ethier’s activation earlier Saturday.
That said, it seems Kazmir is running out of time to make any sort of impact in the remainder of this year. From manager Dave Roberts on Friday:
Roberts seemed to call into question Kazmir's availability for playoffs regardless of exam. "Obviously there’s a shutdown period (cont)
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) September 9, 2016
Roberts cont: "It’s a couple weeks, with where we’re at on the calendar – it’s going to be a conversation. We’ll see." #Dodgers
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) September 9, 2016
Kazmir was 10-6 with a 4.59 ERA in 25 starts for the Dodgers this season, with 134 strikeouts, 52 walks and 21 home runs allowed in 135⅓ innings in 2016.
Kazmir, who turns 33 in January, has two seasons and $32 million guaranteed left on his contract with the Dodgers, but can opt out should he so choose after this season and become a free agent.