start. Angels manager Mike Scioscia said that Kazmir's struggles were "baffling" and that, despite a rigorous off-season training regimen, the former all-star pitcher had lost his velocity, command, and confidence. Kazmir was placed on the DL and sent to extended spring training to "sort things out". After working on his mechanics for a month, Kazmir was sent to the Salt Lake Bees, the Angels' Triple-A affiliate, for a series of rehabilitation starts as he tried to work his way back to the major leagues, possibly as a relief pitcher. However, his struggles only grew worse in the minors. Kazmir had a 17.02 ERA in 5 starts, walking 20 and striking out 14 in 15+ innings with his fastball velocity down to the lows 80s. He was released by the Angels on June 15 despite having $14.5 million remaining on his guaranteed contract. First comeback In December 2011, Kazmir tried to regain his form pitching winter ball for Leones del Escogido in the Dominican League. His only start with the club did not go well, as he gave up 2 hits, 2 walks, and 4 earned runs in one third of an inning. Kazmir sought help from several athletic trainers as he sought to regain his pitching, and he eventually began training with Ron Wolforth, an independent pitching expert in the Houston area. Kazmir slowly rebuilt his pitching mechanics for several months, and though he held bullpen sessions for scouts from several major league teams in the spring of 2012, he did not sign with a major league organization. On July 7, 2012, Kazmir signed with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the independent Atlantic League, who play near his hometown of Houston. Kazmir started 14 games for the Skeeters and finished the season with a 3–6 record and a 5.34 ERA. In November 2012, Kazmir signed with Gigantes de Carolina of the Puerto Rican Professional Baseball League. While he posted a 4.37 ERA, he struck out 27 batters in 23 innings and his fastball velocity was reported to be back in the 94–95 MPH range. Cleveland Indians 2013 season Kazmir signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians on December 21, 2012, and received an invitation to spring training. After pitching well during the spring, he was named the team's 5th starter heading into the regular season. On May 4, 2013, against the Minnesota Twins, Kazmir won his first major