Scott Kazmir has not pitched in the big leagues since 2011 when the Los Angeles Angels released him. Kazmir is doing everything he can to make it back to the major leagues with the Cleveland Indians this spring. Kazmir tossed four scoreless innings against the Angels at Goodyear Ballpark, while striking out four, walking one and allowing three hits. The game ended in a scoreless tie.
Kazmir has emerged as a strong contender for the fifth spot in the Cleveland rotation. Daisuke Matsuzaka, competing with Kazmir for the spot in the rotation, left the game in the top of the seventh with cramping in his right calf.
“He attacked the zone,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “They had a good lineup today, so it was a good test for him. I thought he did really well.”
Kazmir has 13 strikeouts this spring to go along with two walks as he tries to reinvent himself with the Indians.
More Indians news: Vinnie Pestano‘s contract was renewed for $501,000. It represented a $9,800 raise for Pestano over last year when he went 3-3 with a 2.57 ERA and set a club record with 36 holds as closer Chris Perez‘s set-up man. Carlos Carrasco, who missed all of last season following Tommy John surgery, was also renewed. He made $488,500 last season. Rich Hill was added to the 40-man roster and all but guaranteed a spot in the bullpen.
