With scouts watching, A's Kazmir leaves start early with triceps issue
Lefty Scott Kazmir is one of the Oakland Athletics' most attractive trade targets, along with infielder/outfielder Ben Zobrist.
On Wednesday night in New York, Kazmir threw three strong innings and left the game early with what was eventually called 'triceps tightness' - an issue has dealt with before during his season and a half with Oakland. That he didn't make it past three innings in a game in which there were reportedly several scouts in attendance (as per Joe Stiglich of CSN Bay Area) raised some red flags.
When Kazmir initially departed, it prompted widespread speculation around the Internet - had he been traded? Would this be a significant injury, one that might negatively affect the chances of a trade?
As it turns out, the issue isn't believed to be serious. Susan Slusser of the SF Chronicle summed it up after the game with a series of Tweets:
As most of you know who follow the #Athletics regularly, Kazmir occasionally has little tweaks and blips that cause him to leave early.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) July 9, 2015
With the All-Star break coming up quickly, Kazmir will have plenty of time to rest and recuperate in time for his next start - whenever (and, perhaps, wherever) that may be.
