DENVER -- Dodgers No. 2 starter Scott Kazmir said he will continue pitching through the discomfort of an injured left thumb and wrist he's been dealing with since the end of Spring Training.
Third baseman Justin Turner also is nursing an injury, believed to be minor, after suffering a bruised toe when stepped on by Rockies catcher Tony Wolters Friday night. Manager Dave Roberts said Turner was available for pinch-hitting duties Saturday night. Howie Kendrick started at third base Saturday night.
Kazmir played catch the day after coming out of his five-inning Friday night start. He downplayed the effects of the injury other than to say he feels it while throwing but is confident he will make his next scheduled start.
Kazmir said he believes it was caused from swinging the bat too much in Spring Training as he prepared for National League ball after spending his career in the American League. He said he thought the issue was resolved shortly after the season started, but it has returned.
This could explain why Kazmir has been a different pitcher in his Dodgers debut in San Diego, where he threw six scoreless innings, than his last three starts when he's posted a 9.69 ERA.