Dodgers pitcher Scott Kazmir‘s rehab game with Triple-A Oklahoma City ended earlier than expected.
Kazmir faced seven batters and recorded just two outs in the first inning of the Oklahoma City Dodgers’ first-round playoff game against the Nasvhille Sounds. After walking one batter and hitting another to begin the game, Kazmir allowed a three-run home run to Nashville’s Renato Nunez.
After issuing another walk and hitting another batter, Kazmir left the field with Dodgers athletic trainer Greg Harrel.
Update (6:40 p.m.): Kazmir suffered a recurrence of the same right neck/ribcage issue that landed him on the disabled list and will return to Los Angeles for further evaluation.
Had his rehab start gone well, Kazmir was a possibility to rejoin the starting rotation next Monday or Tuesday in New York, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday. That seems unlikely now.
Right-hander Jose De Leon, who allowed three runs in six innings in his major league debut on Sunday, could get the assignment against the New York Yankees instead. Right-handers Ross Stripling and Brock Stewart, who starts tonight against the Arizona Diamondbacks, are also possible starters in the Bronx.
Kazmir, 32, lasted just 2 ⅔ innings in his last start for the Dodgers on Aug. 22, after which he was placed on the 15-day disabled list. He pitched a simulated game last week in Los Angeles before heading out on his rehab assignment.
Kazmir is 10-6 with a 4.59 earned-run average in 25 starts this season.