SF Giants call on veteran LHP Scott Kazmir for big start against Padres

The SF Giants will call on a familiar name to start Wednesday’s game against the San Diego Padres: Scott Kazmir. The Giants will have to clear a spot on the active roster to recall the 37-year old. While the veteran southpaw hasn’t carved out a more permanent role in San Francisco’s pitching staff, he’s already had a pair of big-league stints with the team this season.

The SF Giants recalled LHP Scott Kazmir from Triple-A.

Kazmir has been one of the best comeback stories of 2021. A three-time All-Star, Kazmir had not pitched in the major leagues since 2016. Yet, after playing in an independent league last summer, the Giants signed him to a minor-league deal heading into this season and found his way back to MLB.

Kazmir has appeared in three games for the Giants this year (two starts) and recorded a 6.73 ERA with seven strikeouts and one walk in seven innings. At Triple-A, where he has spent the bulk of his season, Kazmir completed 52.2 innings in 13 games (12 starts) with 48 strikeouts, 18 walks, and a 4.61 ERA.

Kazmir made his MLB debut back in 2004 with the Tampa Bay Rays. While injuries hampered his career, Kazmir has still appeared in 13 big-league seasons, racking up 1696.2 innings pitched with 1615 strikeouts and a 4.02 ERA alongside a 108-97 win-loss record.

The SF Giants have recently relied heavily on bullpen games to cover innings while several starters have been out with injuries. However, as the season draws to a close, the team will call upon veteran southpaw Scott Kazmir for a huge start against the San Diego Padres.