Kaz on pace to start Sunday

ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com

FORT MYERS – Scott Kazmir threw 32 pitchers during live batting practice Thursday morning at Al Lang Field and is on scheduled to pitch the first two innings Sunday when the Detroit Tigers visit Al Lang.

According to Rays manager Joe Maddon, Kazmir threw all his pitches and looked doing so.

“I would anticipate he will be fine for Sunday,” Maddon said before the Rays-Red Sox game at City of Palms Park.

All the Rays need is for Kazmir to report for work Friday and say his elbow, which he strained Feb. 26, is fine and the Rays lefty will make his first appearance of the spring.

“Two (innings) at the max, I would think,” Maddon said. “He would be into his pitch count at that point, and I don’t want to rush it at this point. He looked very good, and he’s going to be just fine.”