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Kazmir set to pitch Thursday

Odds & News | Webmaster ( Thu 15th, April 2010 )

The extended spring training for the Angels' left handed pitcher, Scott Kazmir, seems to be ending.

Mike Scioscia, Angels' manager, said on Saturday that Kazmir is on his way to getting his spot back in the starting rotation this Thursday against the Yankees after throwing 6 1/3 innings for Single A Rancho Cucamonga on Friday.

Just before the Angels played the Oakland Athletics on Saturday, Scioscia said, "He is back to being physically powerful and he feels excellent today. He will throw a bullpen session and that will decide if will be good to start in New York."

Kazmir was bothered by a stressed right hamstring when spring training was going on and the Angels decided to get him ready to play by sending him to the minor leagues before joining the starting rotation.

"His last ten pitches were about ninety miles per hour so he kept up his speed," Scioscia said. "He showed an excellent change, the slider was not as consistent as we have seen, but he is capable of pitching and doing fine."

Matt Palmer, who was the fifth starter while Kazmir was out, gave up 7 runs, in less than 7 innings on Friday night in a loss (10-4) to the A's.

It isn't known whether Palmer will join the bullpen when Kazmir comes back, or if he will be sent to AAA Salt Lake City.

Wood sits again: No, Brandon Wood hasn't been replaced of his job as the starting of 3rd baseman. It may look that way after he was given a 2nd day off in 3 games on Saturday, but Scioscia said that he only wanted to provide his 3rd baseman a moment to " step back and let a little air out" after his poor 1-16 begin the season.

"Brandon will play tomorrow, which will be 5 out of 7 [games]," Scioscia said, redirecting the idea Wood might be losing his starting job to Maicer Izturis.

"I realize that he has been working on so many things in the batter's box. However, he will be okay. That's the experience. That's why players play. You figure out whatever you need to do to make this work. Every young player coming into the major leagues goes through this transition."

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