LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers signed free-agent left-handed pitcher Scott Kazmir to a three-year contract, the club announced on Wednesday, for a reported $48 million.The contract also reportedly has an opt-out clause after the first season.
Kazmir, 31, went 7-11 with a 3.10 ERA in 31 starts for Oakland and Houston this year. A three-time All-Star, he is 98-90 with a 3.96 ERA in 11 big league seasons.The acquisition reunites Kazmir with Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Farhan Zaidi, the lefty having pitched for their clubs in Tampa Bay and Oakland. 
Kazmir, at least for the moment, gives the Dodgers four healthy left-handed starters in the rotation, joining ace Clayton Kershaw, Brett Anderson and Alex Wood. Without a trade, Hyun-Jin Ryu would make it five, if he heals in time from left shoulder surgery to open the season in the rotation.The club also has been courting free-agent Japanese right-hander Kenta Maeda, who will pick a club by Jan. 8.In addition to Tampa Bay, Oakland and Houston, Kazmir has pitched with the Angels and Indians. Kazmir, who was originally selected by the Mets in the first round of the 2002 Draft, has had double-digit wins in seven of his 11 seasons.To make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated for assignment outfielder Daniel Fields, who had been claimed off waivers from Milwaukee this month.
Ken Gurnick/ MLB.com
Kazmir, at least for the moment, gives the Dodgers four healthy left-handed starters in the rotation, joining ace Clayton Kershaw, Brett Anderson and Alex Wood. Without a trade, Hyun-Jin Ryu would make it five, if he heals in time from left shoulder surgery to open the season in the rotation.The club also has been courting free-agent Japanese right-hander Kenta Maeda, who will pick a club by Jan. 8.In addition to Tampa Bay, Oakland and Houston, Kazmir has pitched with the Angels and Indians. Kazmir, who was originally selected by the Mets in the first round of the 2002 Draft, has had double-digit wins in seven of his 11 seasons.To make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated for assignment outfielder Daniel Fields, who had been claimed off waivers from Milwaukee this month.
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