ANAHEIM, CALIF. (AP) - Struggling left-hander Scott Kazmir was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Los Angeles Angels because of shoulder fatigue following Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Seattle.
The move is retroactive to July 11, the day after Kazmir surrendered 13 runs and 11 hits over five innings in a 9-7 loss at Oakland.
The 26-year-old Kazmir is 7-9 with a 6.92 ERA in 17 starts, and has lost his last four starts after winning his previous four. During the recent skid, the two-time All-Star has given up 30 runs, seven homers and 12 walks over 19 2-3 innings.
“I’m not thinking about what was the reason why. I’m just looking to get back to where I was. I’m trying to stop looking in the past and look forward,” said Kazmir, who opened the season on the DL because of a hamstring strain. “I’ll be eligible to come off on Monday, so hopefully that’ll be all the time I need.
“It never hurt or anything like that. It just felt a little weak,” Kazmir said. “I threw a bullpen yesterday and I felt good, just a little achy. So I guess it’s better to miss a start now and be fine than throw on Tuesday and then try to play catch-up pretty much every other start.”
Versatile infielder Maicer Izturis, who has been playing mostly at third base, was activated from the DL after missing 27 games with a left forearm strain. Backup first baseman Paul McAnulty was designated for assignment to make room.
“I think it’s caused less life on the fastball, because the only time I really feel a dead arm is when I’m coming down,” said Kazmir, a two-time All-Star. “What made the decision is that after yesterday’s bullpen, we did a lot of arm exercises _ and last night I was pretty sore.”
Kazmir will travel with the team to New York for the start of a six-game road trip that concludes with a four-game series at AL West-leading Texas, where he is scheduled to have another bullpen session. His spot in the rotation will likely be filled by a call-up from the minors who will start Tuesday’s game at Yankee Stadium.
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