Dodgers Rumors: Who is Most Likely to Make the Rotation

 Scott Kazmir – 10%

Just a few weeks ago I would have assumed that Scott Kazmir was guaranteed a spot in the Dodgers on Opening Day. There would be no way that the Dodgers would push Kazmir from their number two overall starter to someone that misses out on the rotation, but that is how it is looking. Kazmir’s home for 2017 may as well be in the bullpen.

Kazmir struggled with various injuries last season, and it caused his production to take a hit. At times he looked masterful, although he often got beaten up in the first inning. Regardless, Kazmir was always a reliable option for Los Angeles; while he may not have been great you knew exactly what you would get out of Kazmir time in and time out.

Now, with the 2017 season looming, Kazmir is not making a very strong case for his inclusion in the rotation for next season. First off, Kazmir is once again battling discomfort, as he missed starts due to a sore hip. Only pitching 2.2 innings this spring is certainly not a convincing factor to make the rotation on Opening Day.

While Kazmir likely will somehow make his way to start games in 2017, it likely will only result from the guys ahead of him getting hurt. Kazmir has seen a recent drop in his fastball velocity, as it has been reported that in a simulated Kazmir has only hitting the mid-to-low eighties.

For a guy who typically averages in the low nineties, this is extremely concerning to the Los Angeles Dodgers. While down the line he may make the bullpen his permanent home, it would be best for the Dodgers to send Kazmir down to AAA, allow him to ease back into what he is capable of, and then go from there.