Kazmir stays with Dodgers, decides against free agency

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) Pitcher Scott Kazmir has decided not to opt out of the final two seasons of his contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, choosing to keep $32 million in pay rather than become a free agent.

The 32-year-old left-hander was 10-6 with a 4.56 ERA in 26 starts after signing a $48 million, three-year contract. He missed a month starting in late August with neck inflammation, then cut short an outing after one inning because of chest spasms.

A three-time All-Star, Kazmir received a $5 million signing bonus from the Dodgers and an $11 million salary this year, of which $8 million was deferred until Dec. 15, 2019. He is owed $16 million in each of the next two seasons, with $8 million a year deferred, payable on Dec. 15 in 2020 and 2021.

His decision was announced Monday.