GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Dodgers announced their starters for Saturday’s split squad games: Left-hander Scott Kazmir will start the 1:10 p.m. game in Peoria against the Seattle Mariners, while right-hander Zach Lee will start the 7 p.m. game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale against the Chicago White Sox.
Lee is in a competition to be the Dodgers’ fifth starter with right-hander Carlos Frias, who is starting Friday night’s game against the San Francisco Giants.
The Dodgers’ fifth starter won’t be needed until April 8 in San Francisco. Typically, a starting pitcher throws every fifth day, but neither Frias or Lee would be lined up to start that game if they stay on an every-fifth-day schedule.
Nonetheless, Frias and Lee are the front-runners. Ross Stripling, who was optioned to Triple-A last week, is also a candidate if he throws well enough in minor-league games. He allowed one run in three strong innings Wednesday (and isn’t lined up to start the April 8 game either).
