The Los Angeles Dodgers remain concerned about Scott Kazmir's velocity after the pitcher threw a five-inning simulated game to minor-league hitters Thursday.

Kazmir had been in line to be L.A.'s fourth or fifth starter to begin the season.

His velocity was recorded at 82-84 mph during the session. His velocity last season averaged in the low 90s.

"We've still got to see some improvement in the velocity at some point in time," Dave Roberts said. "And I think he'll say the same thing. I don't know if there's a certain number of miles per hour that he needs to pitch at. I think he was 82-84 today. ... That's not the number and he'll be the first to tell you that."