Scott Kazmir to remain in Angels’ rotation despite early-season struggles

NEW YORK - APRIL 15: Pitcher Scott Kazmir #19 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pauses during action against the New York Yankees on April 15, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. All Major League players joined in wearing #42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson, who broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947 when he debuted with Brooklyn Dodgers. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

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Angels left-hander Scott Kazmir has been nothing short of disappointing through six starts this season, with a 2-3 record, 6.82 ERA and 1.78 WHIP. On Wednesday, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times, Angels manager Mike Scioscia decided to reevaluate his spot in the starting rotation with an hour-long closed door meeting.

“We just wanted to get an understanding of where he felt he was, what adjustments need to be made and whether he needed some time to make those adjustments,” Scioscia said. “He doesn’t think so, and [pitching coach Mike Butcher] doesn’t think so, so he will make his next start Monday in Texas.”

In other words, Kazmir needs to be better the next time he takes the mound, or the Angels will have to move in another direction. The southpaw could be demoted to Triple-A to work on his craft or moved to the bullpen Carlos Zambrano-style. Either way, something has to be done. The Angels are just 15-20 this season and are quickly losing ground to the Rangers in the AL West standings.