Rays/MLB

Shoulder woes put Kazmir on DL

The ace's second stint on the disabled list could mean the end of his season.

By MARC TOPKIN
Published August 26, 2006

BALTIMORE - All-Star pitcher Scott Kazmir's season has been interrupted again by shoulder problems and possibly could be over.

The Rays placed Kazmir on the disabled list after Friday's game for what they said were precautionary reasons and don't know when he will next pitch.

Kazmir, their prized 22-year-old lefthander, was on the DL from July 24 through Aug. 11 due to shoulder inflammation. He has made three starts since and, while getting decent results (0-1, 2.25 ERA, 24 strikeouts in 16 innings), has not looked as smooth mechanically as the Rays would like.

Specifically, they are concerned he has made slight changes in the slot, or position, of his arm as he releases the ball, something that eventually could lead to further injury.

"The last couple outings, we're concerned that he's starting to change his arm stroke a little bit because of the tightness in his shoulder on occasion," manager Joe Maddon said. "So we don't want to risk him doing anything improper by throwing in a different manner."

Kazmir said it seems to be an issue when he is warming up, a process that has been taking longer than usual. But he said he actually has been feeling better and is not concerned about potential further injury.

"It's a good idea to take some time to let this run its course and get rid of it completely," he said. "I'm fine with it."

Left-hander J.P. Howell will be recalled from Triple-A Durham and pitch Sunday in Kazmir's spot. Howell was 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA in filling in for Kazmir the first time and is 5-3 with a 2.62 ERA in 10 starts for Durham.

What the Rays don't know is whether Kazmir's season is over or if he will return as he hopes for the final three weeks.

"It's possible (his season is over), but if he feels really good, I'd like him to (pitch)," Maddon said.

Kazmir, 10-8 with a 3.24 ERA, has thrown 144²/₃ innings this season.

Maddon said the goal was to make sure Kazmir didn't make things worse.

"We just started to notice too many different things he was doing," Maddon said. "We just did not like that."

[Last modified August 26, 2006, 02:21:10]