James Paxton
YEARTEAMGGSCGSHOWLSIPHitsERSOBBHRERA
2014Crushers443012035.020694911.54
2015Growlers220010013.013631414.15
2016Mongels220020016.01042912.25
2017Lake Monsters2121305110130.21548427129285.79
2018Old Geezers2424521060159.11206562183223.67
2019Neon282810112100208.01667869223183.38
2020Neon2828711550201.21659870213314.37
2021Neon00000000.0000000.00
2024Rampage14142066084.17637268473.95
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Sep 11 2024Paxton (calf) said Wednesday that he plans to retire after the end of the season, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton is currently on the 60-day injured list due to a tear in his right calf and won't be able to pitch again during the regular season, though he could be able to return for the postseason if the Red Sox are able to secure a wild-card spot. Either way, 2024 will mark the 35-year-old's final season in professional baseball, putting an end to his 11-year career. He'll finish with a career 3.77 ERA and 1.25 WHIP alongside 1,005 strikeouts through 951 innings.
Aug 23 2024The Red Sox transferring Paxton (calf) to the 60-day injured list Friday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 35-year-old was placed on the 15-day IL on Aug. 12 due to a partially torn left calf, and he won't be eligible to return before the end of the regular season. The Red Sox are currently 3.5 games back of the final wild-card spot in the American League, but there's an outside chance Paxton will be available in mid-October should Boston make a playoff run.
Aug 13 2024Further testing revealed Paxton's right calf is partially torn, and it's unclear whether or not he'll be able to return in 2024, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton was initially diagnosed with a calf strain but the injury is more severe than anticipated. A timeline isn't available for Paxton's return and with roughly six weeks left in the regular season, so it's not a guarantee he'll be back prior to the playoffs or be available for any potential postseason starts. Per Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald the Red Sox plan on inserting Cooper Criswell (COVID-19 injured list) into the rotation in Paxton's place.
Aug 12 2024The Red Sox placed Paxton on the 15-day injured list Monday with a right calf strain, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton suffered the injury during Sunday's 10-2 loss to the Astros and required assistance off the field. The southpaw was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday, but the severity of the calf strain has not yet been revealed. The Red Sox are likely to turn to either Josh Winckowski or Cooper Criswell (COVID-19 injured list) to serve as their new fifth starter in place of Paxton, who is first eligible to return from the IL on Aug. 27.
Aug 11 2024Paxton was diagnosed with a right calf strain after exiting Sunday's start against the Astros, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton suffered the injury during the opening frame of Sunday's contest, as he recorded two outs and allowed two hits on five pitches before departing. The severity of the strain isn't yet known, but the initial diagnosis is still an encouraging development given how difficult a time the 35-year-old had leaving the field after the injury. According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, Paxton was sporting crutches after the game and is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday, which could indicate he's headed to the injured list.
Aug 5 2024Paxton (9-3) earned the win over Kansas City on Monday, allowing two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out four batters over six innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was Paxton's second start since returning to Boston in a trade with the Dodgers in late July. The veteran left-hander struggled in his first outing with the Red Sox, but he was much better Monday, limiting the Royals to a pair of runs. Paxton departed after six frames with his first quality start since June 17 against Colorado. He has a shiny 9-3 record on the campaign, but his 4.42 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 69:49 K:BB over 93.2 innings aren't good indicators of sustained success.
Jul 31 2024Paxton (8-3) took the loss Tuesday against Seattle, allowing six runs (three earned) on six hits and a walk across 4.1 innings. He struck out five. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton ran into trouble in the fifth inning and didn't get much help defensively. There were a couple errors behind him and Paxton exited the contest with the bases loaded and one out, handing the ball off to Zack Kelly in what wound up being a five-run fifth inning. In his last five starts, Paxton has logged an 8.18 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 22 innings. He's tentatively scheduled to face the Royals on Monday.
Jul 28 2024Paxton is scheduled to start Tuesday's game against the Mariners at Fenway Park. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After acquiring Paxton from the Dodgers on Friday for minor-league infielder Moises Bolivar, the Red Sox cleared a spot for the veteran lefty in the rotation by moving No. 5 starter Cooper Criswell to the bullpen. Paxton has a long track record of success at the big-league level and offered some degree of fantasy utility with the Dodgers earlier this season with eight wins and a 4.43 ERA over 89.1 innings, but many of his underlying ratios (5.46 SIERA, career-worst 4.1 K-BB%) painted a far less rosier picture of his performance. The veteran lefty will be beginning his second stint with the Red Sox, as he previously spent the 2022 season with the club while recovering from Tommy John surgery before he turned in a 4.50 ERA and 1.31 WHIP over 96 innings in 2023 during his lone healthy season in Boston.
Jul 26 2024The Red Sox acquired Paxton from the Dodgers on Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was reported earlier Friday that the Red Sox and Dodgers were in talks regarding the left-hander, and the deal now appears done. There's no word yet on what the Dodgers will be getting in the trade. Paxton's swing-and-miss stuff has disappeared this season, as he's managed just 64 strikeouts over 89.1 innings with the Dodgers. However, he fanned 101 in 96 frames with the Red Sox just last season and a return to the state of Massachusetts could help him recapture some of that.
Jul 22 2024The Dodgers designated Paxton for assignment Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In a corresponding move, the Dodgers selected the contract of right-hander River Ryan, who will start or serve as a bulk reliever in Monday's game against the Giants. With Ryan at least temporarily joining the big-league rotation and Tyler Glasnow (back) and Clayton Kershaw (shoulder) due back from the injured list later this week, the Dodgers didn't have a spot available for Paxton, who went 8-2 with a 4.43 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 64:48 K:BB in 89.1 innings over 18 starts this season. Now that he's off the 40-man roster, the Dodgers will have 10 days to trade or waive Paxton, who is under contract on a one-year, $7 million base salary. If the Dodgers can't execute a trade for him or if he clears waivers, the 35-year-old Paxton will likely elect free agency and look to sign with a team on a more cost-effective deal.
Jul 12 2024Paxton did not factor into the decision in Friday's 4-3 win against the Tigers, allowing three runs on five hits and four walks with one strikeout over 3.2 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton yielded three runs over the first two innings and was pulled with two outs in the fourth at 81 pitches. The southpaw's velocity was over one mph below his season averages on all of his offerings, and he has now failed to pitch beyond the fifth inning in each of his past four outings. He will take a 4.38 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 57:44 K:BB across 84.1 innings into the All-Star break.
Jul 7 2024Paxton did not factor into the decision in a win over Milwaukee on Saturday, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks over five innings while striking out three. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton allowed one run to come across in the opening frame before surrendering just three hits and a walk from that point on. However, one of those hits was a solo home run off the bat of Rhys Hoskins, marking the second start in a row in which the lefty's given up the long ball and third time in his last three outings. Paxton threw only 10 of his 21 first pitches for strikes on the night and walked multiple batters for the third straight start. He'll look to pick up the first win since June 17 (span of three starts) when the Dodgers travel to Detroit next week to take on the Tigers.
Jun 30 2024Paxton (7-2) allowed nine runs on 12 hits and two walks over four innings Sunday, striking out four and taking a loss against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton gave up four runs through three frames before the Giants piled on with a five-run fourth inning. The veteran southpaw had a very odd month of June; he gave up six earned runs in 1.2 innings against the Pirates on June 5 but allowed just two total runs over his next three outings before Sunday's unraveling. Overall, he posted a 6.46 ERA this month, raising his season mark to 4.28 through 15 starts. Paxton's next start is currently lined up to be at home against the Brewers.
Jun 24 2024Paxton allowed three hits and three walks while striking out six batters over five scoreless innings in a no-decision against the White Sox on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton needed 91 pitches to get through five frames, so he wasn't able to record a third straight quality start or hang around long enough for Los Angeles' offense to supply him a run. Nonetheless, the veteran left-hander was very effective, and he flashed some of the swing-and-miss stuff of his peak seasons with 18 whiffs. Since giving up a season-high seven runs (six earned) over 1.2 innings versus Pittsburgh in his first start of June, Paxton has surrendered just two runs across 18 frames over his subsequent three outings. The strikeout numbers have been improving too -- Paxton's two best punchout performances of the campaign have come in his past two starts.
Jun 17 2024Paxton (7-1) earned the win over the Rockies on Monday, allowing one run on two hits and one walk while striking out eight batters over seven innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton gave up a second-inning solo homer but otherwise dominated Colorado hitters, holding them to just one additional hit. The veteran hurler completed seven innings for the first time this season and notched his second consecutive quality start. Paxton also tallied a season-high eight punchouts -- three more than his previous top mark in 2024 -- and walked just one batter. There was some uncertainty about Paxton's role after two recent poor starts given that Bobby Miller (shoulder) is set to return this week, but with back-to-back strong outings and with Yoshinobu Yamamoto (shoulder) set to miss several weeks of action, Paxton's place in the rotation looks to be secure.
Jun 12 2024Paxton (6-1) got the win over the Rangers on Tuesday, allowing one run on two hits and two walks while striking out two over six innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton's lone run against him came in the second inning on a sacrifice fly. He cruised the rest of the way from there, allowing just two more baserunners and did not allow another runner to get into scoring position. Tuesday was Paxton's first quality start since May 17 and his first win since May 11. His two hits allowed also tied his season low. The strikeout numbers have not been there for Paxton this season. He's topped four strikeouts just once this year and that came all the way back in his first start of the year. Still, he's been able to limit significant damage against him for the majority of the year and owns a 3.92 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 35:32 K:BB in 59.2 innings. The 35-year-old southpaw lines up to complete a two-start week against the Royals on Sunday.
Jun 5 2024Paxton (5-1) took the loss Wednesday, allowing seven runs (six earned) on six hits and two walks across 1.2 innings against Pittsburgh. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton retired the side in the first inning but endured a nightmare second frame. He gave up a walk, three singles and a double to the first five batters he faced as part of a seven-run inning by the Pirates that Paxton didn't finish. The veteran lefty has been shaky over his last four starts, surrendering 15 runs over 15.1 innings while allowing multiple homers in two of those outings and Wednesday's start ballooned Paxton's ERA from 3.29 to 4.19. He'll look to get back on track with a scheduled start against the Rangers on Tuesday.
May 29 2024Paxton came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's 10-3 win over the Mets, giving up two hits over three scoreless innings. He struck out three without walking a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran lefty was pitching on just four days rest, and per Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register, was told prior to the outing that his workload would be limited. Paxton wound up tossing exactly 50 pitches (29 strikes), as the Dodgers effectively went with a bullpen day and used six relievers after he left the mound. Paxton will take a 3.29 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 31:28 K:BB through 52 innings into his next outing -- when he should see a more usual workload in a road start against the Pirates.
May 24 2024Paxton allowed five runs on five hits and four walks over 4.2 innings in a no-decision Friday. He struck out four during the loss to Cincinnati. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton got off to a rough start by yielding a three-run shot to Spencer Steer in the first inning. The Reds then went quiet until a six-run fifth inning. Paxton was charged with two of those as he gave up a season-high five runs during his shortest outing of the year. The veteran southpaw saw his ERA jump from 2.84 to 3.49 through 49 frames. Paxton is still 5-0 despite some recent struggles (4.13 ERA over his last five starts). His next outing is projected to be on the road against the Mets next week.
May 17 2024Paxton allowed three runs on seven hits and struck out two without walking a batter over six innings in a no-decision versus the Reds on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton did fine, though he gave up solo home runs to Stuart Fairchild and Tyler Stephenson to account for two of the three runs on his line. After posting just one quality start over five outings in April, Paxton has settled in with three in a row to begin May. The southpaw has done well at run prevention this year with a 2.84 ERA despite a 1.38 WHIP and 24:24 K:BB through 44.1 innings over eight starts. He's projected to make his next start at home versus the Diamondbacks.
May 12 2024Paxton (5-0) earned the win over the Padres on Saturday, pitching six shutout innings while allowing four hits and striking out four. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton never found himself in any serious trouble throughout the contest, allowing only one extra-base hit as the Dodgers cruised to a shutout win. The veteran lefty threw 15 of 22 first pitches for strikes and produced 10 whiffs on the night en route to earning his fifth win of the campaign. Paxton has allowed one run or fewer in back-to-back starts and in four of his seven outings this season. Saturday also marked his first start this season in which he didn't issue a walk.
May 6 2024Paxton (4-0) earned the win over Atlanta on Sunday, allowing one run on five hits and two walks while striking out three over 6.2 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The only real damage against Paxton came from a solo home run to Marcell Ozuna in the seventh. Paxton put together his most efficient outing of the year, needing only 84 pitches to get 20 outs, as his two walks were his fewest in a start since April 8. Paxton's strikeout numbers remain significantly lower compared to his career numbers, but he's still finding ways to grind out results. He now owns a 3.06 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 18:24 K:BB in 32.1 innings and lines up to face the Padres on the road next weekend.
Apr 29 2024Paxton (3-0) earned the win over Arizona on Monday, allowing four runs on six hits and five walks while striking out four batters over five innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton gave up constant traffic on the basepaths and needed 96 pitches to get through just five frames, but a potent Dodgers offense gave him enough support to keep his record spotless at 3-0 for the season. Despite the veteran southpaw's clean record, he's been a volatile rotation option for Los Angeles due largely to his control issues -- Paxton has walked five or more batters on three occasions this season after doing so only five times total across his first 10 big-league campaigns. Though Paxton has thus far done what it takes to pick up wins in spite of the issue with free passes, fantasy managers may be hesitant to deploy him given his ugly 15:22 K:BB and 1.68 WHIP through 25.2 innings on the season.
Apr 25 2024Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Paxton's next start will be at Arizona on Monday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton would be on regular rest Sunday after he started Tuesday's game against the Nationals, but the Dodgers will go with a bullpen game Sunday in Toronto and give Paxton an extra day of rest. The southpaw has managed a 2.61 ERA but a 1.55 WHIP and 11:17 K:BB through 20.2 innings this season.
Apr 24 2024Paxton came away with a no-decision in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Nationals, allowing one run on five hits and three walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out only one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran southpaw needed 89 pitches (52 strikes) to record his 14 outs, but Paxton wouldn't have gotten a win even if he had completed five innings as the Dodgers didn't take the lead until the eighth. He's issued at least three free passes in three of his four starts so far in 2024, and while his 2.61 ERA looks good on the surface, Paxton's 1.55 WHIP and 11:17 K:BB through 20.2 innings are very worrying. He'll try to sharpen his control in his next outing, a homecoming of sorts for Big Maple this weekend in Toronto.
Apr 15 2024Paxton did not factor into the decision Sunday against the Padres, allowing three runs on three hits and eight walks while striking out one over five innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The fact that Paxton only managed to give up three runs while issuing a career-high eight walks is impressive in its own way. He issued at least one walk in every inning but managed to pitch himself out of trouble for the most part. He did allow a solo home run to Manny Machado to begin the fourth and later came back out for the sixth where he walked the first two batters before being replaced by Ryan Brasier, who would allow both inherited runners to score. Through three starts, Paxton owns a respectable 2.81 ERA but that also comes with a concerning 1.50 WHIP and 10:14 K:BB in 16 innings. He'll look to be more effective his next time out, which currently projects to be against the Mets next weekend.
Apr 9 2024Paxton (2-0) picked up the win Monday, allowing two runs on three hits and a walk over six innings against Minnesota. He struck out four. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton nailed his first quality start of 2024 on Monday, getting on the board in the category after securing eight quality starts in 19 appearances last season. While he only allowed four base runners, Paxton was tagged for a pair of runs when Manuel Margot launched a two-run homer in the third to plate Austin Martin, who reached via walk. With one of baseball's best offenses behind him, Paxton seems primed to reach double-digit wins for the first time since 2019 if he can stay healthy.
Apr 1 2024Paxton (1-0) earned the win over San Francisco on Monday, pitching five shutout innings during which he allowed four hits and five walks while striking out five batters. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton put quite a bit of traffic on the basepaths due largely to his five free passes, but he held the Giants to an 0-for-4 mark with runners in scoring position to escape without allowing any runs. The veteran hurler has been troubled by injuries in recent campaigns but looked completely healthy in his 2024 debut, tossing 97 pitches. Paxton hasn't completed more than 100 innings or posted better than a 4.50 ERA since 2019, so he's far from a sure bet to be a reliable starter for the entirety of the campaign, but he appears to have a set spot at the back of the Dodgers' rotation for the time being.
Mar 31 2024Paxton is scheduled to start Monday's series opener versus the Giants at Dodger Stadium. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The oft-injured southpaw has opened both of the past two seasons on the injured list, but he made it out of spring training unscathed and is set to make his Dodgers debut Monday as the team's No. 5 starter. Paxton, who received a $2 million bonus by virtue of being included on the Opening Day roster, will now be guaranteed $9 million in 2023 and can pocket up to $4 million in incentives based on number of games started. The 35-year-old built up to five innings and 80 pitches in his final spring start March 26, so he should be capable of working deep enough into Monday's outing to qualify for a win.
Mar 13 2024Paxton isn't expected to join the Dodgers for their season-opening two-game set against the Padres in South Korea, though he's physically fine, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton isn't dealing with any sort of injury, but he wouldn't be pitching in any capacity for either of the two games in Seoul, so the Dodgers are opting to have him work on building up at home rather than making the long trip overseas. Though an unspecified health issue resulted in a reduction of the guaranteed portion of the contract Paxton signed with Los Angeles in January, the left-hander has looked healthy while getting in limited work this spring, allowing just one run on two hits with a 7:2 K:BB over four innings. Paxton is lined up for a spot at the back of the Dodgers' rotation for the upcoming campaign.
Feb 28 2024Paxton will make his Cactus League debut Thursday against the Reds, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton had the guaranteed money on his contract lowered when an unspecified issue arose during his physical. However, he hasn't been under any restrictions this spring and is fully expected to be part of the Dodgers' Opening Day rotation.
Feb 12 2024Paxton said Sunday that he "has no doubt" he'll be ready for Opening Day, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Dodgers wound up lowering the guaranteed amount of Paxton's contract due to an unspecified physical issue, adding in roster bonuses based on the left-hander's availability. The injury concern is considered minor, so it's not a surprise to hear Paxton isn't worried about being ready to roll by the opener. He'll remain a major injury risk, of course, as the 35-year-old has made just 25 combined starts at the big-league level since the start of the 2020 season.
Jan 31 2024Paxton's guaranteed salary in his new contract with the Dodgers was lowered from $11 million to $7 million due to an unspecified health issue, Fabian Ardaya and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic report. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The health concern is not considered serious and obviously didn't prevent a deal from being completed, but the two sides did agree to some restructuring. Paxton received a $3 million signing bonus along with a guaranteed salary of $4 million, and he can get a $2 million roster bonus if he's on the roster either for the Dodgers' opening series in Korea against the Padres on March 20 or their domestic opener on March 28 versus the Cardinals. If he's added to the roster by April 15, Paxton will get a $1 million bonus, as well as another $1 million if he makes 20 starts. There are also additional games started incentives. All told, Paxton's contract could max out at $13 million. While it's not clear what injury led to the contract alterations, worth noting is that Paxton's 2023 season ended due to right knee inflammation.
Jan 23 2024Paxton signed a one-year, $11 million contract with the Dodgers on Tuesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton will also receive a $1 million roster bonus assuming he's on the Opening Day roster, and he can make an additional $1 million through incentives. The left-hander held a 2.73 ERA in the first half and a 6.98 ERA in the second half in 2023 with the Red Sox while battling a knee issue down the stretch. Paxton will enter spring training with a clean bill of health but remains one of the bigger starting pitcher injury risks in MLB. However, the Dodgers are apparently willing to pay for some upside if it comes with the limited risk of a one-year deal.
Jan 22 2024Paxton and the Dodgers are closing in on a one-year contract worth close to $12 million, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The deal isn't official just yet, but the two sides are inching closer to a deal. If Paxton were to sign on with Los Angeles, he'd likely be asked to help shore up the back end of the Dodgers' starting rotation. The southpaw made 19 appearances in 2023 with the Red Sox after making only six starts across the 2020 and 2021 campaigns combined, turning in a 4.50 ERA and 1.31 WHIP with a 101:33 K:BB across 96 innings.
Sep 10 2023Boston placed Paxton on the 15-day injured list Sunday with right knee inflammation, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton was supposed to start on extra rest Tuesday against the Yankees, but he has now been shut down for the final three weeks of the 2023 regular season due to lingering knee trouble. The veteran left-hander had surrendered 17 runs -- 16 earned -- over his last three outings covering just 9.2 innings. Nick Pivetta is expected to fill his rotation spot the rest of the way.
Sep 6 2023Paxton will receive extended rest before rejoining Boston's rotation Tuesday against the Yankees, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander last pitched Sept. 1 in Kansas City and has given up 16 earned runs over his past three starts, so Boston will skip his turn through the rotation this week in order to provide him some extra rest. The poor stretch has inflated Paxton's season numbers to a 4.50 ERA and 1.31 WHIP across 96 innings.
Sep 1 2023Paxton (7-5) yielded six runs on five hits and two walks over 1.1 innings while taking a loss against the Royals on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton gave up a pair of solo home runs in the first inning before the Royals charged him with four more in the second. He's thrown just 9.2 total innings while allowing 16 earned runs over his last three starts. His season ERA has jumped from 3.34 to 4.50 during that span. Paxton is currently projected to start in Tampa Bay next week.
Aug 26 2023Paxton did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing four runs on four hits and five walks over 4.1 innings against the Dodgers. He struck out four. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran lefty allowed individual runs in the first and fourth innings before a Max Muncy two-run homer chased Paxton from the game with one out in the fifth. This marks back-to-back starts in which he has failed to complete five innings, causing his second-half ERA to rise to 5.82 alongside a 1.66 WHIP across 38.2 innings since the All-Star break. Paxton is currently projected to make a road start against the Royals next week.
Aug 21 2023Paxton (7-4) yielded seven runs (six earned) on nine hits and three walks over four innings Monday, striking out four and taking a loss against Houston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton gave up four runs through two innings and then served up a three-run homer in the fourth. It was a rare misstep for him this season; he'd allowed seven runs over his last four starts combined. Paxton saw his ERA climb to 3.79 with a 97:26 K:BB through 17 outings. His next start is projected to be at home against the Dodgers.
Aug 17 2023Paxton came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's 6-2 loss to the Nationals, giving up two runs on five hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out three. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Both runs the veteran lefty allowed came on solo shots, and Paxton exited the game in line for his fourth loss of the year until Boston tied the game in the top of the eighth inning. The quality start was his first in August and eighth in 16 outings overall. Paxton sports a 3.34 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 93:23 K:BB through 86.1 innings on the season, and his next trip to the mound is likely to come early next week in Houston.
Aug 10 2023Paxton (7-3) earned the win over Kansas City on Thursday, allowing six hits and no walks while striking out six batters over 5.1 scoreless innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton gave up three homers and four runs over five innings against Toronto in his previous start, but he rebounded with a strong effort Thursday. Though he needed 98 pitches to get through 5.1 frames, the left-hander kept the Royals off the scoreboard and didn't issue a walk for just the second time in 15 starts this season. Paxton continues to enjoy a career resurgence at age 34 -- through 80.1 innings, he's posted a 3.36 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 90:22 K:BB.
Aug 5 2023Paxton (6-3) took the loss Friday, giving up four runs on nine hits -- including three home runs -- and two walks over five innings as the Red Sox fell 7-3 to the Blue Jays. He struck out four. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw was catching too much of the strike zone to begin the night, and Toronto hit three solo shots in the first two innings before Paxton was able to settle in. After an impressive run to begin the season after his mid-May debut, the 34-year-old has seen his numbers slip -- over five starts since the beginning of July, Paxton's stumbled to a 5.40 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 23:9 K:BB through 25 innings. He'll try to get back on track in his next outing, which is likely to come at home next week against the Royals.
Jul 29 2023Paxton did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing one run on eight hits and two walks over five innings against the Giants. He struck out five. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Paxton limited San Francisco to one run over five frames, the Red Sox offense was held scoreless until the ninth inning and knocked Paxton out of contention for his fourth win in five starts. However, the lefty set a season high in hits allowed. Outside of an ugly six-run start against the Cubs, Paxton has surrendered two or fewer earned runs in five consecutive appearances dating back to June 24. Over that stretch, he has a 3.41 ERA and a 29:9 K:BB. Paxton is tentatively scheduled to take on the Blue Jays for his next start.
Jul 16 2023Paxton (5-2) took the loss Saturday, allowing six runs on three hits and three walks over three innings against the Cubs. He struck out four. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton struck out two of the first three batters he faced and cruised through the first two innings without allowing any base runners. He fell apart in the third, however, walking Christopher Morel to open the frame before hitting Miguel Amaya in the next at-bat. The lefty would go on to allow six runs in the inning, topped off by a grand slam from Cody Bellinger, and was relieved by Tayler Scott to open the fourth. The six runs allowed marked a season high for Paxton after the veteran came into the contest having won his last four decisions (spanning six starts).
Jul 8 2023Paxton (5-1) earned the win Saturday, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk over six innings against Oakland. He struck out three. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton corralled his sixth quality start in his last seven appearances, allowing just two runs across six frames of action. However, both of the runs came from long balls, as Manny Pina hit a solo homer in the third and Brent Rooker swatted a solo shot in the sixth. Through 10 starts (56 innings), Paxton has given up more than three runs just once and owns a 2.73 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP to go along with a 5.6 K/BB.
Jul 7 2023The Red Sox reinstated Paxton from the paternity list Friday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton will make his next start Saturday against Oakland, but he'll rejoin the team a day early to make up for losing Kaleb Ort (undisclosed) to the IL. The 34-year-old southpaw has been stellar this season and holds a 2.00 ERA and 0.61 WHIP alongside a 17:3 K:BB through 18 innings over his last three starts.
Jul 6 2023Paxton will be activated from the paternity list to start Saturday against the Athletics, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton welcomed a new addition to his family earlier this week and will fit in one more start before the All-Star break. The veteran left-hander was named AL Pitcher of the Month for June and boasts a 2.70 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 61:13 K:BB through 50 innings (nine starts) this season with Boston.
Jul 4 2023Paxton was placed on the paternity leave list Tuesday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton will be back to start Friday against the Athletics, but for the next few days he'll be away tending to more important matters. The veteran left-hander has been a pleasant surprise for the Red Sox in 2023, holding a 2.70 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 61:13 K:BB over 50 innings.
Jul 3 2023Paxton is expected to begin paternity leave Tuesday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton's leave, along with Garrett Whitlock being removed from Sunday's game due to elbow tightness, leaves Boston's rotation for the coming week to be determined. Given the maximum three-game absence for paternity leaves, Paxton is expected to rejoin Boston's rotation at some point during the weekend series against Oakland.
Jul 1 2023Paxton (4-1) picked up the win in Friday's 5-0 victory over the Blue Jays, allowing three hits and two walks over 7.2 scoreless innings. He struck out seven. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Canadian southpaw delivered his longest outing of the season in a dazzling performance, generating 32 called or swinging strikes over his 110 pitches. Paxton has five quality starts in nine trips to the mound since coming off the IL in mid-May, posting a 2.70 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 61:13 K:BB over 50 innings. He's set to make one more start before the All-Star break, which is likely to come at home next week against the Rangers.
Jun 27 2023Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Sunday that Paxton (knee) remains "lined up" to make his next turn through the rotation Friday in Toronto, MLB.com reports. "We'll see how he keeps reacting to the treatment. But that's where we're at right now," Cora said of Paxton. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran southpaw was lifted after four innings during his previous outing Saturday versus the White Sox after experiencing right knee soreness, an issue Paxton disclosed that he battled in his prior outing June 19 against the Twins. Thanks to an off day Monday, the Red Sox are able to build in some extra time off between starts for Paxton, who is expected to be good to go Friday on five days' rest. Before Paxton is officially confirmed to start Friday, the Red Sox may first want to see how he checks out following a bullpen session.
Jun 24 2023Paxton (knee) believes he'll be able to make his next schedule start next week, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton told reporters that he also felt the soreness in his knee in his last start against Minnesota. He exited the start after giving up one run over four innings with three strikeouts and one walk against the White Sox on Saturday. The left-hander has dealt with injuries for the overwhelming majority of his career, and Boston will likely take every precaution before deeming him ready to go in that next outing. For now, the southpaw should be considered day-to-day.
Jun 19 2023Paxton (3-1) earned the win over Minnesota on Monday, allowing three runs on three hits and one walk while striking out seven batters over 6.1 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton breezed through four scoreless frames before a Christian Vazquez homer against him in the fifth netted Minnesota three runs. Paxton bounced back to retire the final five batters he faced and ended up with his third straight quality start and third overall victory. After missing all of last season and posting an ERA well over 6.00 over six starts between 2020 and 2021, the southpaw has revived his career this year, registering a 3.29 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 51:11 K:BB across 38.1 frames covering seven starts. His next start is tentatively lined up to come on the road against the White Sox.
Jun 12 2023Paxton allowed one unearned run on four hits and a walk over six innings in Monday's loss to Colorado. He struck out eight and did not factor in the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Aside from an unearned run that scored in the fourth inning, Paxton faced little trouble while working through the Rockies' lineup. He's racked up 25 punchouts while allowing just three earned runs over his last three starts. The veteran southpaw dropped his season ERA to 3.09 with a strong 44:10 K:BB across 32 innings. Paxton's next start is lined up to be a home matchup with the Yankees.
Jun 7 2023Paxton (2-1) picked up the win Tuesday, giving up two runs on six hits and two walks over seven innings in a 5-4 victory over the Guardians. He struck out nine. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran southpaw looked like he was in for a short night after needing 28 to get through the first inning, putting Boston in a 2-0 hole, but Paxton got locked in after that and gave his club a chance to come back. The quality start was his second in five outings since coming off the IL, and he'll carry a 3.81 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and impressive 36:9 K:BB through 26 innings into his next start, likely to come at home early next week against the Rockies.
May 31 2023Paxton allowed one run on four hits and one walk while striking out eight batters over five innings in a no-decision against Cincinnati on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton looked very good in the outing, notching twice as many punchouts (eight) as hits allowed (four). He racked up an impressive 22 swinging strikes but couldn't go deeper into the contest since he needed 100 pitches to get through five frames. Paxton was knocked around to the tune of five runs over three frames against the Angels his last time out but has otherwise been a nice addition for Boston since coming off the IL on May 10, yielding two or fewer earned runs in his other three starts. Paxton also appears to still have above-average swing-and-miss stuff, as he's tallied 27 strikeouts over 19 innings overall.
May 24 2023Paxton (1-1) took the loss Wednesday, allowing five runs on four hits and three walks over 3 innings against the Angels. He struck out five. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton struggled for the first time this season. The lefty has only made three starts after a hamstring injury kept him out until May 12. Paxton allowed more runs Wednesday than he did in the first two starts combined. The 34-year-old's last full season was 2019, where he produced a 3.82 ERA and 186 strikeouts in 150.2 innings. However, he has only made nine starts since, making his reliability a question mark.
May 20 2023Paxton (1-0) earned the win Friday, allowing one run on five hits and two walks over six innings in a 6-1 win over the Padres. He struck out five. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was only Paxton's second start of the year after missing the first month-plus with a strained hamstring. The southpaw's first year in Boston is off to a good start, as he's allowed just three runs over 11 innings and now has recorded his first win since 2020. The tenth-year veteran is tentatively slated to face the Angels on the road in his next start.
May 12 2023Paxton allowed two runs on four hits and a walk over five innings during Friday's loss to the Cardinals. He struck out nine and did not factor in the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Making his first MLB appearance in over two years, Paxton was greeted with a two-run shot from Nolan Arenado in the first inning. After that, Paxton shook off the rust and turned in a solid outing. His fastball touched 97.8 mph and he displayed the same strikeout stuff that he had prior to a series of big injuries. The 34-year-old will look to build off this in his next start, which is currently scheduled to be in San Diego next week.
May 10 2023Boston activated Paxton (hamstring) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton has officially joined the active roster ahead of his scheduled season debut Friday in a start against the visiting Cardinals. The appearance will be his first in a major-league game since April 6, 2021. The oft-injured 34-year-old left-hander posted an uninspiring 6.23 ERA and 26:16 K:BB across 21.2 innings during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester and seems like a wait-and-see type in most fantasy leagues rather than someone managers should scramble to pick up.
May 9 2023Paxton (hamstring) will start Friday's game against the Cardinals, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton will make his season debut after missing the first month-plus of the 2023 campaign due to a hamstring strain. The left-hander has shown the ability to miss bats in the past, but he offers some significant risk based on his lack of time on the mound over the past few seasons.
May 8 2023Paxton (hamstring) has Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican from his rehab assignment, Chris Cotillo reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's a formality, as Paxton's rehab window is closing. He has not yet officially been added to the active roster, but that's coming soon and Paxton is expected to make his Red Sox debut this weekend against the Cardinals. He's been out all season with a hamstring strain.
May 6 2023Paxton (hamstring) will be inserted into Boston's rotation sometime next weekend at home against the Cardinals, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He won't be used in the two-game series in Atlanta, but he will start one of the following games. Manager Alex Cora did not rule out a six-man rotation, but Boston has off days Monday and Thursday, so a six-man rotation would really stretch the length between starts for their starters in the short term. Paxton has a 3.68 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 17:10 K:BB in 14.2 innings over his last three rehab starts.
May 1 2023Paxton (hamstring) will make another rehab appearance with Triple-A Worcester before the Red Sox make a decision about activating him from the 15-day injured list, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Although he's struggled overall on his rehab assignment, Paxton was terrific in his most recent outing Sunday, striking out eight over 5.1 scoreless frames while getting his pitch count up to 90. Paxton has only ever started in the majors, but the Red Sox to this point have not committed to what role he would have with the big club. The big left-hander has made just six starts at the major-league level since 2020 -- none in 2022 -- due to various arm issues and is currently on the injured list due to a hamstring strain. Paxton's pitching schedule currently aligns with 23-year-old right-hander Brayan Bello's, so the Red Sox could easily swap Paxton into the rotation for Bello if the team brass determines that the veteran is a better option.
Apr 4 2023Paxton (hamstring) touched 94 mph over a three-inning intrasquad game at the Red Sox' spring training complex in Florida on Tuesday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton had been slated to make his first rehab start with Triple-A Worcester, but he remained in Florida instead due to weather-related concerns. Things went off without a hitch during the left-hander's outing Tuesday as he continues to ramp back up following an early-March hamstring strain. Paxton is aiming to join the Red Sox' rotation by late April.
Apr 1 2023Paxton (hamstring) is scheduled to make a rehab start Tuesday for Triple-A Worcester, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton will make the rehab start in Buffalo against the Blue Jays' Triple-A club. The left-hander is making his way back from a hamstring strain that sidelined him throughout the spring season, and he will likely need to make multiple starts in the minors before rejoining the Red Sox near the end of April.
Mar 31 2023Paxton (hamstring) tentatively appears to be on track to return from the 15-day injured list in late April, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: One of three Red Sox starting pitchers who opened the season on the IL, Paxton is without a firm target date for his return, but Abraham notes that the veteran southpaw is behind both Garrett Whitlock (hip) and Brayan Bello (forearm) in his rehab program. Of the trio, Whitlock appears closest to a return, as he'll be pitching Friday for Triple-A Worcester in the first of what's expected to be two rehab starts for the affiliate before he likely comes off the IL as early as April 11. Meanwhile, Abraham notes that Bello is about a week behind Whitlock, while Paxton is about 7-to-10 days behind Bello. Paxton is expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment of his own Monday but looks as though he'll need at least three starts to get fully stretched out.
Mar 30 2023The Red Sox placed Paxton (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton has been pain-free for a while but will get a late start to the season. The veteran left-hander is slated to begin a rehab assignment Monday and is on track for a mid-April return.
Mar 29 2023Paxton (hamstring) is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Monday with Triple-A Worcester or the rookie-level Florida Complex League club, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Red Sox would ideally have Paxton face higher-level competition at Triple-A as he builds back up from the right hamstring strain that will keep him on the injured list to begin the season, but colder weather in the Northeast could prompt the team to have him make his first rehab outing in Florida. Paxton threw two simulated innings Wednesday and was showcasing a fastball that sat around 94-to-96 miles per hour, so his arm appears to be in good condition after he didn't pitch in the majors in 2022 while recovering from Tommy John surgery and then a lat strain suffered last August in a rehab start. The veteran southpaw will likely need to build up to around five innings over the course of 2-to-3 starts in the minors before he's considered an option for the big-league rotation.
Mar 25 2023Paxton (hamstring) will pitch two innings in a backfield game Wednesday, Chad Jennings of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 34-year-old lefty made five starts in 2020, one in 2021 and none in 2022, with arm troubles (including Tommy John surgery) the primary culprit. He looked healthy at the start of camp but promptly strained his hamstring in his first spring start. He's working his way back again but won't be available for a few more weeks. Paxton's expected to ramp up one inning at a time, so he still likely has four or five outings to go before the Red Sox activate him. If that pattern holds, he won't be make his season debut until the second half of April at the earliest.
Mar 19 2023Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters that Paxton (hamstring) will throw another bullpen in the next three-to-four days, Mike Monaco of ESPN reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cora said that everything went well Saturday with Paxton's bullpen session, and it's a positive sign that he'll be back on the mound for another round shortly after. The left-hander is all but a lock to open the season on the injured list, but it does appear that Paxton will make starts for Boston in April as long as there's no setback.
Mar 18 2023Paxton (hamstring) threw 25 pitches off the mound Saturday in a bullpen session, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton told Browne after the session that he felt good, and wasn't thinking about his hamstring at all. It's a positive sign for the southpaw, who has not been able to pitch this spring while recovering from a right hamstring strain. The next step for Paxton is to face live hitting, and then hopefully the 34-year-old will get a chance to pitch in a Grapefruit League game before the exhibition season ends. It's still very likely Paxton will open the season on the injured list.
Mar 16 2023Paxton will undergo testing on his injured hamstring Friday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: If he's cleared to return after Friday's exam, Paxton will begin throwing bullpen sessions. He's one of three possible rotation members expected to open the season on the injured list. Garrett Whitlock (hip) made his spring debut Wednesday and Brayan Bello (forearm) is expected to follow shortly.
Mar 14 2023Paxton (hamstring) played long-toss and did some dry throwing from a mound Tuesday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: "Dry throwing," as in he went through his throwing motion but didn't actually throw a ball. Paxton is progressing slowly but surely from a right hamstring strain, but it's not clear when he might be ready to face hitters or pitch in a game. He is not expected to be ready at the start of the season.
Mar 13 2023Paxton (hamstring) played catch off flat ground Monday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Paxton wasn't able to resume mound last week like the Red Sox had initially planned, the veteran southpaw hasn't experienced any apparent setbacks in his recovery from a right hamstring strain and should be able to throw a bullpen session in the coming days. Paxton looks as though he's still roughly on pace to resume facing hitters before the end of spring training, but because he won't have enough time to get fully ramped up to handle a starter's workload, he's a virtual lock to open the season on the injured list.
Mar 8 2023Manager Alex Cora said Wednesday that Paxton (hamstring) hopes to resume throwing off a mound by the end of this week, Mike Monaco of ESPN reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton played catch Wednesday without issue and could be ready to test things out from a mound in a few days. The left-hander has been trending in the right direction since suffering a Grade 1 right hamstring strain last Friday, although he's not expected to be ready in time for Opening Day.
Mar 7 2023Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters that Paxton (hamstring) could play catch on Wednesday, Mac Cerullo of CHSI Sports Boston reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He also said that the left-hander is moving well, and overall is trending in the right direction. "Obviously we're not rushing but if he's able to get on the mound by the end of the week we're in a better spot than what we thought a couple days ago," Cora said. Paxton is not expected to be ready for Opening Day, but the 34-year-old could make se making starts for Boston by the middle of April.
Mar 6 2023Paxton (hamstring) did some throwing from his knees Sunday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton's Grade 1 right hamstring strain is keeping him from normal workouts, but he's doing his best to keep his arm in shape in the meantime. The left-hander is not expected to be ready in time for Opening Day. Paxton, of course, has had a terrible time staying healthy, having made just six major-league starts and one rehab start over the last three years due to injury.
Mar 4 2023Paxton has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain and will be shut down from throwing, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran southpaw left his start Friday with discomfort. While Grade 1 is the least severe classification of strain, it will likely delay Paxton's start to the season. With Brayan Bello (forearm) and Garrett Whitlock (hip) also unlikely for Opening Day, the Red Sox may need to roll with Tanner Houck and/or Josh Winckowski in the starting rotation.
Mar 3 2023Paxton is being evaluated for right hamstring discomfort, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton made an early exit from his Grapefruit League debut Friday afternoon against the Twins after feeling a grab in his right hamstring. "We don't really know yet," he said afterward when questioned about the potential severity of the injury. The veteran southpaw continues to have awful luck on the health front, though at least this isn't an issue with his throwing arm.
Feb 28 2023Paxton (lat) was singled out by Red Sox manager Alex Cora on Tuesday as someone who has impressed so far in camp, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton hasn't made an appearance yet this spring but, at least according to his skipper, has looked good in throwing sessions. The veteran left-hander has made just six major-league starts and one rehab start over the last three years because of various injuries, with the most recent one being a lat strain. He'll obviously remain a major health question mark in 2023, but it's good to hear positive vibes about Paxton coming out of Red Sox camp.
Feb 25 2023Paxton (lat) will start Friday's spring training game against the Twins, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton is reportedly healthy heading into camp, and he'll get the chance to prove it next week. He's made a grand total of seven starts over the last three seasons while dealing with multiple injuries, including Tommy John surgery and most recently a lat strain. The veteran lefty owns a strong 3.59 career ERA, but between his long layoff and his age (34), it's hard to have confidence that he'll get back to anything close to peak form.
Feb 18 2023Paxton (lat) threw a bullpen session Thursday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton threw eight bullpens over the winter and is working through a normal spring training for the first time since 2019. After the Red Sox turned down a two-year, $26 million club option this winter, the left-hander exercised a player option worth $4 million to stay in Boston. He likely could have made more in free agency, but Paxton is comfortable with the training staff and environment in Boston, which is half the battle for pitchers coming back from injury. The 34-year-old will occupy a spot in the rotation.
Nov 9 2022Paxton (lat) exercised his $4 million player option for 2023 on Wednesday and will remain with the Red Sox for the upcoming season. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton remains on the 60-day injured list, so the Red Sox will have to reinstate him at some point to add him back to the 40-man roster. The veteran southpaw joined Boston on a one-year, $6 million deal last winter, but he has yet to make his Red Sox debut while he spent the past season recovering from his April 2021 Tommy John surgery and then getting shut down for good in August with a Grade 2 left lat strain. It's unclear whether Paxton will be a full participant for spring training, but if healthy, he'll likely get the chance to stake his claim to a spot in the Red Sox's Opening Day rotation. The 34-year-old Paxton owns a 3.59 ERA over 754.2 career innings, but with just six starts under his belt since the 2020 season, it's difficult to depend on him immediately recapturing the strong form he displayed prior to his Tommy John surgery.
Aug 25 2022Paxton (elbow) has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left lat strain and won't return in 2022, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton made his first rehab start last week but exited the outing due to his lat injury. The southpaw will be unable to return over the final month of the season, and it's not yet clear whether he'll remain with the Red Sox next year. His contract includes a $13 million team option for 2023 or a $4 million player option, the latter of which Paxton can exercise if the team option is declined. Paxton hasn't pitched in the big leagues since early in the 2021 campaign since he underwent Tommy John surgery in April of that year.
Aug 18 2022Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed that Paxton (elbow) exited his rehab start Thursday in the rookie-level Florida Complex League due to a left lat strain, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cora noted that the Red Sox won't know how serious Paxton's injury is until he's evaluated over the next couple of days, but the setback could be a season-ending one for the southpaw, who was making his first rehab appearance Thursday since undergoing Tommy John surgery last April. Because he's likely to require a multi-week buildup program coming off the major elbow surgery, Paxton wasn't on track to come off the 60-day injured list until September. Even if the lat strain proves to be minor, Paxton's return date will be pushed back to some extent, and it's certainly possible that he doesn't make it back to the Red Sox before the regular season ends Oct. 5.
Aug 3 2022Paxton (elbow) threw two innings during a simulated game Wednesday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton has been throwing bullpens over the last few weeks, and Wednesday's throwing session marked the first time that he's faced hitters this year. The southpaw hopes that he'll be able to rejoin the Red Sox sometime in mid-August, but he'll likely require several rehab appearances before he's cleared to return.
Jul 21 2022Paxton (elbow) remains limited to throwing bullpens and has yet to resume facing live hitters, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: According to Cotillo, Paxton suggested just under a month ago that he planned on throwing live batting practice around the All-Star break or the week after, so he could be poised to take the next step forward in his rehab from Tommy John surgery within the next few days. Paxton has previously said that he's eyeing a mid-August return, though that may be ambitious at this point since he has yet to start a minor-league rehab assignment.
Jul 3 2022Paxton (elbow) threw a 32-pitch bullpen session Saturday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton has thrown a string of bullpens since early in June, and the left-hander hopes to face live batters at some point around the All-Star break. He added a mid-August return is his goal.
Jun 19 2022Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Sunday that Paxton (elbow) is scheduled to throw two or three bullpen sessions during the upcoming week, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While Cora relays that Paxton "felt great" coming out of his bullpen session Saturday -- his third since he resumed a throwing program -- the Red Sox don't plan on having the southpaw take another step forward in his rehab just yet. Instead, he'll continue ramping up the intensity of his bullpen sessions before potentially advancing to facing hitters the following week. Paxton, who underwent Tommy John surgery in mid-April of last year, is trending toward a second-half return from the 60-day injured list.
Jun 16 2022Paxton (elbow) threw a 15-pitch bullpen session at Fenway Park on Wednesday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton is ramping up his activity, graduating from long toss to bullpen sessions over the last week. The left-hander is still multiple weeks away from rejoining the team.
Jun 10 2022Paxton (elbow) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton increased his throwing distance to 120 feet last weekend and will be able to resume mound work a week later. The left-hander suffered a setback in April while recovering from Tommy John surgery but has made good progress over the last few months.
Jun 9 2022Red Sox manager Alex Cora said he is "hoping" Paxton (elbow) will throw off a mound while the team is in Seattle this weekend, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A report Wednesday suggested next week for Paxton to throw off a mound, but the schedule may be hastened. The left-hander, who suffered a setback in April while returning from Tommy John surgery, has progressed to playing long toss since resuming his throwing program May 18. Paxton has been pushing to get on a mound, and he may get that chance this weekend.
Jun 7 2022Paxton (elbow) might throw off a mound next week, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton continues to throw long toss and play catch. "Hopefully, by the end of this week, he continues his progress and hop on the mound probably next week," Boston manager Alex Cora said. The left-handed Paxton is returning from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in April 2021. He had been throwing bullpen sessions in April but was set back by posterior elbow soreness before resuming a throwing program May 18.
Jun 6 2022Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Paxton (elbow) threw up to 120 feet Saturday and is feeling good, Sonja Chen of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton had been dealing with posterior soreness in the elbow, but the left-hander is progressing toward a return to the mound. He's pushing to get on a mound, but the team is holding off on that for time being.
May 22 2022Paxton (elbow) has resumed playing catch from 60 feet, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton has been on the 60-day injured list since mid-March as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery that he underwent in April of 2021. The southpaw was still dealing with elbow soreness in early May, but it's encouraging that he's now throwing off flat ground. Paxton still has to ramp up his intensity and pitch count, and it's not yet clear when he'll be in the mix to return to game action.
May 16 2022Manager Alex Cora said Monday that Paxton (elbow) continues to receive regular treatment and has yet to be cleared for throwing, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton appeared to be making strong progress in his recovery from April 2021 Tommy John surgery after he was cleared to throw bullpen sessions late in spring training, but he's been idle for about two weeks now after experiencing posterior elbow soreness during his rehab program. The Red Sox will wait and see how Paxton responds to treatment before clearing him for activity again, but the recent layoff could require him to essentially restart his buildup program rather than picking up where he left off prior to the setback. Despite some early optimism that Paxton might be ready to come off the 60-day injured list in June shortly after he's first eligible, the veteran southpaw may now be trending toward a return at some point after the All-Star break.
May 7 2022Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said Saturday that Paxton is still dealing with posterior elbow soreness, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton resumed throwing bullpen sessions in early April, but is facing a setback due to his lingering elbow pain. The southpaw underwent Tommy John surgery in April of 2021 and isn't expected to appear in games until at least the middle of the summer, and it's not yet clear how much he'll be delayed due to his soreness.
Mar 16 2022The Red Sox placed Paxton (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After undergoing Tommy John surgery in mid-April of last season, Paxton isn't expected to be ready to begin a rehab assignment until around the middle of the summer, so the move to the 60-day IL won't affect his recovery timeline. The transaction is merely a procedural move to open up a spot on the 40-man roster for newly-signed reliever Jake Diekman.
Mar 15 2022Paxton (elbow) threw off flat ground Monday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton has thrown regularly since spring training opened. The left-handed starter is recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery and is not expected to join the active roster until the second half of the season.
Nov 30 2021Paxton (forearm) agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract with the Red Sox on Tuesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. The deal includes a two-year team option for 2023 and 2024. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton pitched 1.1 innings for Seattle in 2021 before requiring Tommy John surgery in April, but he's been throwing from beyond 60 feet since September and appears to be making good progress in his recovery. The 33-year-old should be ready to pitch for Boston sometime in June or July, and the team is likely to pick up the two-year option if he performs well in 2022.
Sep 27 2021Paxton (forearm) was spotted throwing from 60 feet Monday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton was lost for the 2021 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but it's positive to see him make strikes in his recovery. His timetable for a return is estimated to be around the 2022 All-Star break.
Jul 30 2021Paxton (forearm), who is out until 2022, has been participating in rehabilitation sessions at T-Mobile Park on a near-daily basis and serving as a mentor to younger pitchers on the roster, the team's official site reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran left-hander still has a long road ahead in his recovery, but the fact he's making the best of an unfavorable situation is certainly encouraging. Paxton has reportedly remained free of setbacks in his work back from season-ending surgery for a left forearm strain and continues to have a chance to return to the mound at some point before the All-Star break next season.
Apr 16 2021Paxton (forearm) was placed on the 60-day injured list Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The team announce earlier this week the 32-year-old will require Tommy John surgery, so it was only a matter of time before he moved to the 60-day IL. Paxton will miss the rest of the season and is looking at a potential return during the middle of the 2022 campaign.
Apr 13 2021Mariners manager Scott Servais confirmed Tuesday that Paxton (forearm) will require season-ending Tommy John surgery, Lauren Smith of The Tacoma News Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was the expected outcome for Paxton before he opted to get a second opinion. With the lefty now on track to have the elbow procedure in the near future, he'll likely be sidelined through at least the middle of the 2022 season. Set to turn 33 in November and with a number of previous injuries on his medical record, Paxton may have difficulty landing anything more than a minor-league deal if he opts to continue his career after the surgery.
Apr 10 2021Paxton will seek a second medical opinion on his left forearm strain Monday, the Associated Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander is still likely to undergo Tommy John surgery, but Paxton is clearly looking to explore all his options before taking that course of action. If he does ultimately undergo the procedure, Paxton is likely to be sidelined until at least the middle of the 2022 season.
Apr 8 2021Paxton (forearm) will likely require Tommy John surgery, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton suffered a left forearm strain Tuesday and had an MRI on Wednesday. After receiving a pair of opinions on the results of his MRI, Tommy John surgery has been recommended for the southpaw. If Paxton ultimately undergoes the procedure, he'd miss the remainder of the 2021 season. The left-hander is slated to become a free agent during the offseason and would likely miss the start of the 2022 campaign if he decides to continue his career.
Apr 7 2021Paxton (forearm) was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton was initially diagnosed with a left forearm strain after leaving Tuesday's loss to the White Sox, but he'll undergo an MRI on Wednesday to determine the extent of the issue. Ljay Newsome was recalled in a corresponding move, but the Mariners are expected to fill Paxton's spot in the six-man rotation with long reliever Nick Margevicius.
Apr 6 2021Paxton exited Tuesday's game against the White Sox with left elbow discomfort, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander was removed during the second inning Tuesday only 24 pitches into his season debut, and it's now confirmed that he's dealing with an arm issue. The severity of the injury is unclear, but it's an ominous start to the season for Paxton, especially given his injury history.
Mar 31 2021Mariners manager Scott Servais said that Paxton will make his first start of the season Tuesday against the White Sox, Lauren Smith of The Tacoma News Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton was initially lined up to start the Mariners' second game of the season Friday against the Giants, but he'll instead switch spots in the rotation order with Yusei Kikuchi. The change isn't an ideal one for Paxton's fantasy managers, especially for those in leagues with two separate lineup periods for the first two weeks of the season. Not only will Paxton miss out on a Week 1 start, but he'll also get a downgrade in matchup in swapping out the Giants for the White Sox in his first start.
Mar 28 2021Paxton recorded nine strikeouts and allowed two hits and two walks while also hitting a batter over four scoreless innings in a Cactus League win over the Giants on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton finishes Cactus League play with 17 strikeouts over 8.1 innings, proving the velocity drop he experienced as a result of numerous injuries last season is no longer an issue. The veteran left-hander lines up to take the ball against the Giants in the Mariners' second game of the season Friday night.
Mar 23 2021Paxton, who recorded eight strikeouts over 4.1 innings in his Cactus League debut versus the Brewers on Sunday, saw his fastball top out at 97 mph during the outing, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. "This is what I've been working for," Paxton said. "Last year was tough for me. I didn't have any of the velo, my body wasn't in the right place, but I went to work this offseason and I feel like I'm in a really good place now." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton had been putting in work exclusively on the back fields of the Mariners' spring complex due to a now-resolved visa issue, so Sunday marked his first time facing opposing hitters since Aug. 20 of last season while with the Yankees. The left-hander battled back and flexor injuries last season, which led to the average velocity on his fastball dropping to a career-low 92.2 mph. That made his form in Sunday's outing, during which Paxton struck out exactly half of the 16 hitters he faced and yielded just two hits, particularly encouraging. Paxton likely lines up for one more Cactus League start before the end of spring training.
Mar 18 2021Paxton's next start will come in a Cactus League matchup, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton has been healthy and hasn't had any issues early in spring training, but he had been preparing for the regular season during morning workouts and "B" games to begin camp. However, manager Scott Servais confirmed Thursday that Paxton's next appearance will be in a Cactus League game. While Servais didn't reveal what day Paxton would start, the southpaw remains on track for the regular season.
Mar 16 2021Paxton has had two Cactus League starts canceled due to appointments to sort out a visa issue, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Canadian lefty has pitched simulated games instead of making those starts. He's yet to appear in a Cactus League game this spring but has reportedly looked good in those sim games. Assuming he gets it all sorted out this week, Paxton will debut in exhibition action Sunday against the Brewers.
Mar 15 2021Paxton was scratched from his scheduled start in Monday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton was expected to make his spring debut Monday, but he'll instead throw in a simulated game since he had to address a personal matter that would have conflicted with the Cactus League game. The left-hander is still expected to increase his pitch count in the sim game, so he remains on track to be ready for the start of the season. Ljay Newsome will get the start against the Diamondbacks in Paxton's stead.
Mar 9 2021Paxton will pitch in a second simulated game Tuesday, which would normally be his day in the rotation, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton has yet to make his spring debut, but his delay in jumping into game action is unrelated to any health issue. Rather, the left-hander has been looking to refine some secondary pitches, and Kramer adds that the team is also opting to have him get his work in sim games for the moment "due to scheduling and logistics purposes."
Mar 4 2021Paxton, whose Wednesday spring start against the Cubs was rescheduled, pitched in a three-inning simulated game to catcher Tom Murphy instead and looked sharp, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran left-hander's start was rescheduled at his own request, as Paxton wanted additional time to refine his secondary pitches and also create more consistent direction and timing in the downhill portion of his delivery. Paxton noted he's been specifically trying to get his "explosion toward the plate" right and felt that he was able to improve on it the more he pitched to Murphy, who he's also working on developing a rapport with as a battery mate. Paxton anticipates he'll likely be ready to make his Cactus League debut early next week, potentially Monday against the Indians.
Mar 3 2021The rescheduling of Paxton's Wednesday start against the Cubs wasn't due to any health concern with the left-hander, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. "Pax is completely healthy," manager Scott Servais said. "It's just kind of shifting things around a little bit, lining up our rotation going from there. ... But there's absolutely nothing wrong health-wise with Pax. We're just going to give him a couple more days before he goes back out there." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran isn't slated to take the mound until at least early next week at this point, as the Mariners have mapped out their starting pitching assignments through the weekend. Servais' assurance that Paxton's health isn't at cause for the shuffle is certainly encouraging after the southpaw's 2020 season with the Yankees was mostly derailed by forearm and back injuries.
Mar 1 2021Paxton is scheduled to start Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Cubs, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran southpaw's work will undoubtedly be scrutinized this spring in his return to Seattle after a mixed bag of a two-year stay with the Yankees. After back and forearm injuries limited him to just five starts in 2020 following a 15-6 mark the prior season, Paxton spent most of the offseason rebuilding his strength and refining his mechanics. He now considers himself at full health and commented last week that he expects to build up to a five- or six-inning workload by the end of spring training.
Feb 13 2021Paxton agreed to a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Mariners on Saturday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 32-year-old could earn up to $10 million with incentives, and he'll make his way back to the Mariners after the team traded him to the Yankees following the 2018 season. Paxton struggled in 2020 with a 6.64 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 26:7 K:BB over 20.1 innings before going down with a forearm injury. The left-hander saw his fastball velocity drop three ticks to 92.2 MPH last season, but he reached 94 MPH while throwing for scouts this offseason as he hopes for a rebound campaign in 2021.
Dec 22 2020Paxton (forearm) reached 94 mph while throwing in front of scouts Tuesday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: As many as 20 teams were in attendance as the 32-year-old showcased himself in his return from the forearm injury that limited him to five starts last season. Paxton averaged about 95.4 mph on his fastball the past three years entering 2020, so it appears he's nearing full strength if he's not there already. The left-hander had a 3.82 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 186:55 K:BB over 150.2 innings for the Yankees in 2019. so he should have at least a few suitors in free agency.
Nov 10 2020Agent Scott Boras said Tuesday that Paxton (forearm) is "close" to throwing for talent evaluators, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 32-year-old made five starts in 2020 before being shut down with the forearm issue and a subsequent setback, but he was able to resume throwing in late September. Paxton had a 3.82 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 186:55 K:BB over 150.2 innings over 29 starts for the Yankees in 2019, so he figures to garner some interest as a free agent as long as he's fully recovered.
Sep 28 2020Paxton (forearm) was able to play catch Monday, but manager Aaron Boone said the lefty might not be available until late in the postseason, James Wagner of The New York Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton was transferred to the 45-day injured list Sept. 16, and there haven't been reports of him throwing off a mound since suffering a setback earlier this month. The southpaw should continue to travel with the Yankees throughout the postseason while he navigates through the rehab process, but New York may need to reach the ALCS or World Series for him to have a shot at pitching again in 2020.
Sep 16 2020Paxton (forearm) was transferred to the 45-day injured list Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton recently faced a setback in his recovery process and has yet to resume throwing. He'll miss the remainder of the regular season after landing on the 45-day injured list, although it remains to be seen whether he could be available if the Yankees make a deep playoff run. The southpaw posted a 6.64 ERA and 1.48 WHIP over 20.1 innings during five starts in 2020.
Sep 11 2020Manager Aaron Boone said Thursday it would be "challenging" for Paxton (forearm) to return this season, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran southpaw was shut down from throwing after experiencing some soreness after his throwing session Wednesday, so it's not much of a surprise to hear a pessimistic outlook from Boone. Even if Paxton is able to return in 2020, he's unlikely to be stretched out for more than a couple innings with just over two weeks remaining in the regular season.
Sep 10 2020Paxton (forearm) was sore following his throwing session Wednesday and will be shut down several days as a result, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton still hasn't thrown off a mound as he continues to work his way back from a flexor injury that he sustained in late August. With just over two weeks remaining in the regular season, time is running out for Paxton to return to game action following his setback. Even if he is able to return during the regular season, he likely won't be able to pitch many innings, which significantly limits his fantasy value.
Sep 9 2020Paxton (forearm) threw off flat ground again Wednesday but won't be ready for mound work until this weekend at the earliest, Max Goodman of Sports Illustrated reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran lefty is working his way back from the flexor strain he suffered in late August. Time is getting quite tight for him to return before the end of the regular season. If he returns as a starter, it will likely be for just one or two very brief outings.
Sep 3 2020Paxton (forearm) began his throwing program Thursday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He played catch in what marks the first steps of him building back up. The Yankees hope that Paxton can be back to make a start or two at the end of the month so that they can figure out what he will be able to provide them with in the postseason, but it's unclear how realistic that timetable is.
Aug 28 2020Paxton (forearm) is "a little far away" from returning, according to general manager Brian Cashman, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This makes it seem like Paxton could be done for the season, and at the very least is weeks and not days away from returning. The Yankees are set to play 18 games in the next 15 days and they only have four healthy members of the rotation. Top prospect Clarke Schmidt was ruled out by manager Aaron Boone as an option to come up this weekend, so there could be some bullpen games on tap for the Yankees in the coming weeks. They will also likely be active prior to Monday's trade deadline.
Aug 24 2020The Yankees placed Paxton (forearm) on the 10-day injured list Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton's impending move to the IL had been expected for several days after manager Aaron Boone said the lefty would be shut down from throwing for at least two weeks due to a left flexor strain, but New York waited to make the transaction official until this week. New York has yet to announce a replacement in the rotation for Paxton, but the team's schedule will allow it to get by with a four-man rotation until Sept. 1.
Aug 23 2020Paxton's (forearm) UCL is healthy, and he expects to return for a few starts before the end of the regular season, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated Saturday that Paxton will be shut down from pitching for two weeks, and he'll certainly need some time to ramp back up after he is cleared to resume throwing. However, the fact that the southpaw's UCL has no damage provides hope that he can return to the mound for the Yankees this season. While he probably won't have time to make more than a few appearances down the stretch, Paxton could contribute in the playoffs if all goes well in his recovery.
Aug 22 2020Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Saturday that Paxton (forearm) won't throw for the next two weeks, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton was diagnosed with a flexor strain and then promptly placed on the 10-day injured list Friday. It appears as though the southpaw will have to spend more than the minimum time on the shelf as he won't be allowed to throw for the next 14 days and will most likely have to go through the proper buildup before making an official return to the mound.
Aug 21 2020Paxton was placed on the 10-day injured list with a Grade 1 strain of his left forearm flexor Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton's performance has been quite poor all season, and he's posted a 6.64 ERA through five starts. It's unclear whether the injury accounts for all of his struggles, as he didn't complain of discomfort until his most recent outing against the Rays on Thursday. The Yankees are currently scheduled to play just five games in the next 10 days, as their series this weekend was cancelled due to coronavirus cases popping up for the Mets, so they may not need to replace Paxton in the rotation any time soon.
Aug 20 2020Paxton will undergo an MRI after experiencing discomfort in his forearm/elbow, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This is a worrisome development for Paxton, who reportedly didn't feel right during his outing against the Rays on Thursday, during which he allowed three runs on one hit and four walks while striking out eight batters across five innings. While the severity of the issue is not yet known, it's worth noting that forearm injuries can often be the precursor to a significant absence. Look for Paxton's status to be updated once his test results are known.
Aug 15 2020Paxton (1-1) earned the win against Boston on Saturday, pitching five innings and allowing three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton was far from dominant as he needed 83 pitches to make it through five frames and yielded three runs. However, he kept New York in the game after falling behind 3-2 in the third inning and walked away with his first victory of the season. The left-hander has allowed exactly three earned runs in each of his four starts this season, though he lasted a combined four innings in his first two outings as opposed to the 11.1 combined frames he has pitched in his last two starts. Paxton will next face Tampa Bay at home Thursday.
Aug 9 2020Paxton allowed three earned runs on four hits and one walk while striking out 11 across 6.1 innings Sunday against the Rays. He did not factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton dominated the Rays for six shutout innings of work, but was undone when he was sent back out for the seventh frame. He allowed a leadoff double, followed by back-to-back home runs to spoil an otherwise excellent outing. Encouragingly, he also saw his velocity tick up slightly, regularly hitting over 92 mph with his fastball. After struggling mightily through his first two starts, Paxton will look to maintain his improved results Sunday against Boston.
Aug 3 2020Paxton is worried about his drop in velocity this season, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports. "I'm concerned. I'm trying to do everything that I can to figure out what's going on," Paxton stated following Sunday's start. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton averaged 95.4 mph on his four-seam fastball in both 2018 and 2019, but his velocity has dropped drastically to 91.8 mph on the pitch so far this season. His cutter has experienced a similar decline (from 88.1 mph in 2019 to 84.9 mph in 2020), leading to a pair of poor starts in which Paxton has allowed a combined six earned runs on 12 hits over four innings. Whether the slow beginning to the campaign and significant dip in velocity are related to the southpaw's February back surgery is undetermined, but Paxton's spot in the rotation could be in jeopardy if he is unable to turn things around relatively soon.
Aug 2 2020Paxton allowed five runs (three earned) on seven hits and struck out four in three innings in a no-decision versus the Red Sox on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton labored through his second start of the year, needing 62 pitches (45 strikes) to complete the three innings. He's given up eight runs (six earned) across two short starts this season. The southpaw has only walked one batter, but he continues to deal with a drop in velocity -- he hovered around 91 mph with his fastball Sunday. Paxton is expected to start Friday versus the Rays, but he did receive extra rest between his first two outings.
Jul 29 2020Paxton's next start has been pushed to Sunday against the Red Sox, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He last started July 25, giving up three runs in one inning while sitting around 92 mph with his fastball -- three mph slower than his typical velocity. With the Yankees purposely giving him a full week between his first and second start, there should be some cause for concern with regards to the health of his arm.
Jul 25 2020Manager Aaron Boone said Paxton's velocity was down throughout summer camp and remained there for Saturday's start against the Nationals, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports. The left-hander took the loss after allowing three runs on five hits and one walk while recording one strikeout over one inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 31-year-old's fastball velocity sat around 92 mph Saturday, about three mph slower than his velocity over the past three seasons. Paxton underwent back surgery in February and he's apparently still attempting to fully get comfortable in his delivery. Per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, Boone said after Saturday's game, "I'm not alarmed, but I feel like physically he is sound. I think it's just a matter of really getting in his delivery and finding that click where he's really extending through the ball." Hopefully Paxton will return to form as he gets more time on the mound, but in a shortened season the clock is ticking on ironing out any kinks.
Jul 20 2020Paxton threw 84 pitches over five innings in a simulated game Monday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton could have faced Philadelphia in Monday night's exhibition contest, but the Yankees decided to have him throw a simulated game instead because he's lined up to face the Phillies early in the season. Paxton should be ready to take on a full workload when he toes the mound against Washington in his first regular-season outing Saturday.
Jul 16 2020Paxton will start the Yankees' second regular-season contest, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Wednesday that Paxton will follow ace Gerrit Cole in the rotation for the team's season-opening series against the Nationals. The announcement comes as little surprise, especially considering Masahiro Tanaka's (concussion) questionable readiness for the start of the season. Paxton tossed his first intrasquad game of summer camp Wednesday, giving up home runs to Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, but otherwise looked sharp with five strikeouts over four innings.
Jul 6 2020Paxton threw a two-inning sim game Sunday, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: On the second day of team workouts, Paxton threw to teammates Gary Sanchez, Miguel Andujar and Tyler Wade, striking out each batter at least once. The outing -- Paxton's first on a dirt mound since undergoing back surgery in February -- is another indication that the southpaw is good to go heading into the regular season. "Felt good, felt healthy," Paxton declared. "It was a good first step for me."
Jun 30 2020General manager Brian Cashman said Tuesday that Paxton "has recovered" from back surgery and "appears game ready," Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It sounds like Paxton will enter summer camp without any major restrictions after undergoing a microscopic lumbar discectomy in early February. This is not a huge surprise as the lefty was said to be back to full strength more than a month ago, though it's still nice to get confirmation. Hopefully we will get word from the Yankees as to how deep into games they will allow their starters to go the first few times through the rotation.
May 23 2020Paxton will be ready to go when the 2020 season begins and is working on increasing the spin rate on his fastball, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton indicated that he has thrown 12-14 bullpen sessions since beginning his recovery from February back surgery and confirmed that he will be "ready to go as soon as the season comes about." Some of Paxton's bullpens have included simulated innings with batters standing in so that the southpaw can gain a feel for the strike zone, according to Ackert. Paxton also indicated that he is experimenting with his fastball grip in an effort to increase his spin rate. With the back issue now behind him, Paxton should slot into the No. 2 or No. 3 spot in the Yankees' Opening Day rotation.
May 14 2020Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed Thursday that Paxton (back) has been throwing simulated innings this month, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cashman's comments essentially align with what manager Aaron Boone said last week regarding where Paxton stands in his recovery from a February procedure to remove a peridiscal cyst on his back. Boone suggested that Paxton would be fully recovered from the procedure by mid-May, so the lefty may only need to complete another simulated game or two before doctors give him full clearance. Assuming Paxton avoids any further setbacks between now and the time the season begins, he'll likely be lined up to start the Yankees' second or third game behind ace Gerrit Cole.
May 5 2020Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday in an appearance on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM that Paxton (back) is expected to be fully recovered from his microscopic lumbar discectomy by "mid-May." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton had already been making rapid progress during spring training after requiring the procedure in early February to remove a peridiscal cyst, and MLB's ongoing hiatus has only provided more time for him to heal up without having to miss any game action. After checking out fine following five bullpen sessions, Paxton was cleared to pitch a simulated game Monday, which likely marks one of the final checkpoints he'll need to clear in the recovery process. He should be a part of the Yankees' Opening Day rotation and face no workload restrictions whenever the season resumes.
Apr 24 2020Paxton (back) recently completed his fifth bullpen session since resuming a throwing program in March, Brendan Kuty of NorthJersey.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided a positive update about Paxton on Thursday, indicating that he's "really encouraged" by the southpaw's progress and that the recovery process from February back surgery has "gone pretty smoothly." Paxton remains on track to be ready to pitch in games by late May or early June barring any setbacks.
Apr 21 2020Paxton (back) is expected to be able to pitch "right away" if there is a 2020 season, Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton has been following a throwing program at home throughout MLB's hiatus, and the delayed start to the campaign has likely wiped away the portion of the regular season that was originally slated to be a recovery period for the left-hander. Though Paxton has not yet been deemed fully recovered, he appears to be a strong bet for the No. 2 spot in the Yankees' rotation come Opening Day.
Mar 25 2020Paxton (back) has been throwing in his home state of Wisconsin, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton had back surgery in early February and was initially expected to miss the beginning portion of the regular season. He has indicated that he could be ready to pitch in games as early as mid-May, which is supported by the fact that he has resumed throwing. With the regular season postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it's well within reason to believe Paxton could occupy a spot in the rotation come Opening Day.
Mar 17 2020Paxton (back) could be ready to return to the mound by the beginning of the regular season, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton underwent a microscopic lumbar discectomy to remove a peridiscal cyst in early February and was expected to be out 3-4 months. The southpaw has been ramping up his activity of late, culminating in a throwing session last week. That bodes well for his return at the early end of the recovery timeline, which would enable him to return by early May. With MLB's announcement Monday that Opening Day will not take place for at least eight weeks, Paxton certainly has a chance to be part of the Yankees' rotation when the regular season begins.
Mar 11 2020Paxton (back) resumed playing catch Wednesday, making approximately 25 throws from 60 feet, Ken Davidoff of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After reporting no back pain following the session, Paxton will presumably increase his long-toss distance gradually over the next week or so before potentially getting back on a mound. Paxton indicated that if he avoids any setbacks while building up to a starter's workload, he believes he'll be ready to return from the injured list as soon as mid-May in a best-case scenario. Paxton's absence to begin the campaign as well as the season-ending injury to Luis Severino (elbow) has already cleared a spot in the Opening Day rotation for Jordan Montgomery, leaving a slew of other pitchers to compete for the final starting job over the final two weeks of spring training.
Mar 10 2020Paxton will play catch Wednesday, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton is working his way back from early February back surgery. He'll be resuming throwing just over a month after undergoing the procedure and appears to have a chance to reach his goal of pitching in big-league games by the start of May.
Mar 9 2020Paxton (back) may be cleared to begin a throwing program Wednesday, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton's recovery from Feb. 5 surgery to remove a peridiscal cyst from his back looks to be coming along quicker than anticipated. Though Paxton was initially handed a 3-to-4-month recovery timeline, the fact that the lefty is on the brink of throwing just over a month into his rehab program offers hope that he could meet his goal of being ready to pitch in games by early May. Paxton will still have multiple checkpoints to clear before he's even deemed ready to make a minor-league rehab start, but his progression to date has been encouraging.
Mar 5 2020Paxton (back) said Thursday that he's been able to do rotational exercises with a medicine ball, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The activity represents a small sign of progress for Paxton, who will begin the season on the injured list while he recovers from a February procedure to remove a cyst from his spine. The southpaw is optimistic that he'll be cleared to begin a throwing program over the weekend or early next week, which would put him on pace to return from the IL in late April or early May if he can avoid any setbacks during the buildup period.
Mar 1 2020Paxton (back) said Sunday he could begin throwing late this week or early next week, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran left-hander has been progressing well in his recovery and previously indicated he might throw early this week, but he's instead looking to hold himself back a bit to avoid rushing things. Paxton underwent back surgery in early February and is hoping to rejoin the Yankees in early May.
Feb 27 2020Paxton "feels good" thus far about his recovery from back surgery, Sweeny Murti of Sports Radio 66 WFAN reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: News of Paxton's progress comes at a good time for the Yankees following the loss of Luis Severino to season-ending elbow surgery. While Paxton is expected to miss about a month at the start of the regular season, he could begin throwing as early as next week.
Feb 22 2020Paxton (back) is expected to be able to play catch in about 10 days, Marly Rivera of ESPN reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Throwing in 10 days would put Paxton near the early end of the 3-to-5-week range he was given in mid-February. The veteran lefty is hoping to return from the injured list by the start of May after recovering from back surgery.
Feb 13 2020Paxton (back) said Thursday that he expects to resume throwing in 3-to-5 weeks and is hopeful to return from the injured list by May, Jack Curry of YES Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While detailing the procedure he required last week to remove a peridiscal cyst from his back, Paxton revealed that he first experienced pain in his left leg in November before receiving an injection to relieve the discomfort, per James Wagner of The New York Times. After the injection failed to completely eradicate his pain, Paxton underwent more specialized testing in January, when it was determined that he had a cyst that would need to be removed. Following Paxton's surgery last week, doctors told him that he should be ready to resume throwing by the end of spring training, though he'll almost certainly open the season on the IL since he won't have sufficient time to build up to a starter's workload. In a best-case scenario, Paxton would only miss a handful of starts before slotting back into the New York rotation at some point in the second half of April, though fantasy managers should probably plan on his absence extending into May, if not June.
Feb 5 2020Paxton underwent a microscopic lumbar discectomy to remove a peridiscal cyst Wednesday and will miss three-to-four months. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The back procedure will prevent Paxton from making his season debut until sometime in May or June. Injuries are unfortunately nothing new for the lefty, who has never made 30 starts in his seven-year big-league career. The injury opens up a temporary spot in the Yankees' rotation, with Jordan Montgomery looking like the favorite to win it.
Jan 10 2020Paxton and the Yankees agreed to a one-year, $12.5 million deal Friday, avoiding arbitration, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton will get a raise of just shy of $4 million. In 29 starts for the Yankees last season, he posted a 3.82 ERA, a near match for his 28 starts and 3.76 ERA from 2018.
Oct 17 2019Paxton will start Game 5 of the ALCS against the Astros on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw has allowed four earned runs and recorded 11 strikeouts over seven innings pitched this postseason and will take the mound for the second time in the ALCS to start Game 5. There was some concern about tipping pitches in his last start during Game 2 of the ALCS, but Paxton said that he just made some bad pitches that the Astros capitalized on, Matt Ehalt of Yahoo Sports reports.
Oct 16 2019Paxton is expected to start Game 5 of the ALCS against the Astros on Friday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton will get the nod unless he's needed in Game 4, which is unlikely to happen unless the game goes into extra innings. The lefty has allowed four runs in seven innings this postseason while posting an 11:3 K:BB.
Oct 11 2019Paxton will start Game 2 of the ALCS against the Astros on Sunday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton didn't appear to be at his best in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Twins, surrendering three runs while fanning eight over 4.2 innings, but the Yankees would emerge with the victory. He'll follow Masahiro Tanaka in the rotation for the ALCS.
Oct 3 2019Paxton was named the starter for Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Twins, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Oct 3 2019Paxton was named the starter for Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Twins, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton left his final start of the regular season with a tight left glute, but manager Aaron Boone revealed that the 30-year-old is ready to go when he named Paxton the starter for Game 1 of the ALDS. The southpaw notched a 2.51 ERA with a 10-0 record over the final two months of the season.
Oct 2 2019Paxton (lower body) threw live batting practice Wednesday, Mike Mazzeo of Yahoo Sports reports.
Oct 2 2019Paxton (lower body) threw live batting practice Wednesday, Mike Mazzeo of Yahoo Sports reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton left his final start of the regular season Friday against the Rangers with a tight left glute. His removal was considered precautionary, and the Yankees expect him to be able to take his place in the postseason roster. Assuming he checks out fine following Wednesday's session, expect him to pitch one of the first two games against the Twins.
Sep 28 2019Paxton (glute) had an MRI, which revealed nerve irritation, and he does not not expect the injury to affect his postseason preparation, Meredith Marakovits of YES Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He took medication and expects to be able to make a normal start in the ALDS, although the exact rotation schedule for the Yankees has not been confirmed. Paxton should start either Game 1 or Game 2 against the Twins.
Sep 27 2019Paxton was removed after one inning Friday against Texas due to a left tight glute, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports. He gave up two runs on three hits and struck out one before exiting. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton struggled early in his outing, and he was removed as a precaution after experiencing glute tightness. The southpaw wanted to continue pitching, but the Yankees shut him down for the night with the postseason approaching. He'll be considered day-to-day moving forward and likely won't take the mound again until the playoffs.
Sep 21 2019Paxton (15-6) struck out seven and allowed one run (none earned) on three hits and zero walks across six innings while earning a victory in a 7-2 win over the Blue Jays on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton was nicked for an unearned run in the third inning on an error and two singles but allowed just one baserunner over the next three innings. The 30-year-old has been outstanding over his last 10 starts, going 10-0 with a 2.25 ERA. Overall, Paxton owns a 3.73 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 185 strikeouts in 149.2 innings this season. He is scheduled to be on the mound again Friday on the road against the Rangers.
Sep 14 2019Paxton (14-6) allowed one run on three hits with two walks and three strikeouts across five innings while earning a victory against the Blue Jays on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 30-year-old has been able to win some games this season because of the Yankees offense, but lately, he's been spectacular, and it's led to a nine-game winning streak. In his last nine starts, Paxton is 9-0 with a 2.50 ERA, and he's yielded just one run in his last 18.2 frames. Overall, Paxton owns a 3.88 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 178 strikeouts in 143.2 innings this season. He will be on the mound again next Saturday at home against the Blue Jays.
Sep 9 2019Paxton (13-6) gave four hits and three walks while striking out seven through 6.2 scoreless innings to take the win over the Red Sox on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Paxton cruised through the Red Sox with 12 swinging strikes and 17 called strikes. The left-hander has a 2.57 ERA with a .170 BAA in his last eight starts. Paxton has a 3.96 ERA with 175 strikeouts through 26 starts this season. Paxton is scheduled to make his next start Saturday against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.
Aug 28 2019Paxton (11-6) allowed two runs on one hit with five walks and four strikeouts across five innings while recording a victory against the Mariners on Wednesday.
Aug 23 2019Paxton (10-6) earned the win Friday, allowing two runs on five hits and striking out 11 in a 10-2 win over the Dodgers.
Aug 17 2019Paxton (9-6) allowed four runs on six hits with three walks and four strikeouts across five innings but was credited with the win against the Indians on Saturday.
Aug 12 2019Paxton (8-6) allowed three runs on five hits with two walks and seven strikeouts across six innings while earning a victory against the Orioles on Monday.
Aug 7 2019Paxton (7-6) gave up one run on five hits and one walk while striking out seven through 6.2 innings to take the win over the Orioles on Wednesday.
Jul 26 2019Paxton (5-6) allowed seven runs with nine hits, zero walks and nine strikeouts across four innings while taking a loss against the Red Sox on Friday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 21 2019Paxton (5-5) allowed seven runs (four earned) on five hits with three walks and six strikeouts over just 3.1 innings while taking a loss against the Rockies on Sunday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 15 2019Paxton didn't factor into the decision in Monday's 5-4 loss to the Rays, giving up two runs on seven hits and two walks over six innings while striking out seven.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 11 2019Paxton is not among the Yankees' probable starters<\/a> for this weekend's series against the Blue Jays.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 7 2019Paxton (5-4) struck out 11 while allowing two runs on seven hits and no walks through six innings to take the loss against the Rays on Sunday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 2 2019Paxton allowed one earned run on eight hits and two walks while striking out three across six innings Tuesday against the Mets. He did not factor into the decision.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 26 2019Paxton allowed six runs on eight hits with four walks and three strikeouts across 4.1 innings during an no-decision against the Blue Jays on Wednesday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 21 2019Paxton (5-3) earned the win after allowing one run on five hits and three walks while striking out seven over five innings Friday night against the Astros.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 16 2019Paxton (4-3) gave up two runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out seven through six innings, taking the win against the White Sox on Sunday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 11 2019Paxton (3-3) was handed the loss after surrendering six runs on seven hits over 2.2 innings during Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Mets. He struck out one and walked two.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 10 2019Paxton will start Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Mets, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 5 2019Paxton lasted 4.2 innings against the Blue Jays on Wednesday and allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits and three walks. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 29 2019Paxton threw four shutout innings with no hits and two walks allowed while striking out seven in a no-decision against the Padres on Wednesday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 29 2019The Yankees reinstated<\/a> Paxton (knee) from the 10-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday against the Padres.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 28 2019Paxton (knee) is expected to be limited to around 60-to-75 pitches when he returns from the 10-day injured list to start Wednesday's game against the Padres, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 28 2019Paxton (knee) confirmed Tuesday that he would return from the injured list to start Wednesday against the Padres, Coley Harvey of ESPN.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 27 2019Paxton (knee) was cleared to return from the injured list Monday and is likely to do so prior to a start against the Padres on Wednesday, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 27 2019Paxton's knee felt better following a bullpen session Sunday, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 26 2019Manager Aaron Boone said that Paxton (knee) could be activated from the 10-day injured list to start Wednesday's game against the Padres, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 24 2019Paxton still feels pain in his inflamed left knee but was able to pitch through it in a simulated game Friday, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 21 2019Paxton (knee) will throw a three-inning\/60-pitch simulated game Friday and if that goes well, he could rejoin the rotation next week, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 19 2019Paxton said he still felt some inflammation in his left knee during his bullpen session Sunday, Coley Harvey of ESPN.com<\/a> reports. He'll throw off a mound again Tuesday before the Yankees determine his next step.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 18 2019Paxton (knee) will throw a bullpen session Sunday and is still expected to return to the big-league rotation at some point next week, Erik Boland of Newsday<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 17 2019Paxton (knee) threw a successful bullpen session Friday and could be on track to return at some point during the Yankees' upcoming road trip, which begins Monday, Coley Harvey of ESPN.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 15 2019Paxton (knee) is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Friday, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 14 2019Paxton (knee) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 13 2019Paxton (knee) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Meredith Marakovits of YES Network<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 13 2019Manager Aaron Boone said Paxton (knee) may not require a rehab appearance before rejoining the Yankees, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 10 2019Paxton (knee) will resume playing catch Friday, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 24 2018Paxton (back) hopes to return to the rotation in five or six days, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.He was scratched from Tuesday's start against the Giants because his back apparently stiffened up after the 35-pitch bullpen session he threw on Saturday. It's unfortunate that the Mariners waited until a few hours before the game to announce that Paxton wasn't ready to return, but fortunately it sounds like he could return either this weekend against the Angels or next week against the Astros. Roenis Elias was tabbed as the emergency starter against San Francisco.
Jul 24 2018Paxton (back) has been scratched from Tuesday's start against the Giants, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.His bullpen session reportedly went well Saturday, so it's not clear exactly what happened between then and now. Roenis Elias will get the emergency start in his place. It's unclear when Paxton will return to the mound.
Jul 21 2018Paxton (back) got through a 40-pitch bullpen session Saturday without setbacks and remains on target to start Tuesday against the Giants, David Gottlieb of MLB.com reports. "It felt good, everything all good," Paxton said. "I got up to 40 pitches in the bullpen, let some rip, no problems. Was able to get through my pitches, finish them off, so it was definitely good."This was one of the final hurdles for the southpaw to clear prior to his expected Tuesday activation. Paxton reported a complete absence of any pain or discomfort, lending credence to the notion that he's ready to return to the mound after what would be a 12-day stint on the disabled list. Final confirmation on Paxton's readiness figures to come in the earlier part of the day Tuesday.
Jul 19 2018The Mariners are listing Paxton (back) as their probable starter for Tuesday's game against the Giants, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.Paxton was removed in the first inning of his last start July 12 against the Angels due to a bout of back stiffness, resulting in his placement on the 10-day disabled list a day later. Since Paxton wasn't scheduled to pitch again before the All-Star break, it appears his move to the DL was made primarily to give the Mariners some more roster flexibility in the short term. The transaction also provided the benefit of added healing time for Paxton, who has already accrued 119.1 innings this season and doesn't have a track record of durability.
Jul 13 2018The Mariners will place Paxton (back) on the 10-day disabled list Friday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.Paxson exited Thursday's start against the Angels after two-thirds of an inning due to the back stiffness, but already wasn't going to pitch again until after the All-Star break. The Mariners and Paxton have downplayed to injury, and sending him to the disabled list provides a few extra days to rest up. The 29-year-old is expected to take the mound for the Mariners fourth game after the All-Star break, July 24 against the Giants.
Jul 12 2018Paxton was removed from Thursday's start due to lower back stiffness, TJ Cotterill of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.Considering Paxton's injury history, this news comes as a major relief. The lefty exited Thursday's start after recording just two outs and never looked himself as he was tagged for two home runs. Fortunately, the upcoming All-Star break will provide Paxton some extra time to get treatment and enter the second half in good health.
Jul 12 2018Paxton (undisclosed) was removed from Thursday's start against the Angels after recording just two outs, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.This is a concerning development as Paxton was tagged for three earned runs -- including two home runs -- before the training staff came out and took him back to the clubhouse. His velocity was noticeably down, hitting 93 on a fastball that normally sits in the high 90s. It wasn't clear what exactly was bothering Paxton, but more information figures to be made available later Thursday.
Jul 11 2018Paxton's next scheduled start could be moved up a day to Thursday in the wake of Felix Hernandez's placement on the disabled list with a back injury, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.If he's indeed called on to start Thursday's series finale against the Angels in Anaheim, Paxton will actually be pitching on his usual four days of rest. The southpaw last took the hill Saturday against the Rockies, allowing four earned runs on seven hits and a walk over seven innings while also racking up nine strikeouts. Paxton was originally scheduled for an extra day of rest this week, a plan that could still come to pass if the Mariners opt to utilize a callup from Triple-A Tacoma as Thursday's starter.
Jul 11 2018Paxton will start Thursday against the Angels rather than Friday against the Rockies as originally scheduled, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.The Mariners will shift things around with Felix Hernandez out with a back injury. Paxton will remain on normal rest, having last pitched Saturday. The shift is great news for Paxton owners, as he'll end up avoiding the hitters' paradise of Coors Field.
Jul 7 2018Paxton (8-3) allowed four earned runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out nine across seven innings to take the loss Saturday against the Rockies.Paxton allowed only one earned run through 6.1 innings but stumbled in the seventh inning, allowing a three-run home run to put a damper on his outing. Still, it wasn't a disastrous outing as he allowed only eight baserunners and struck out nine batters. Over his last three starts, Paxton has pitched a combined 22 innings and struck out 30 batters, giving him a safe floor on a start-to-start basis.
Jul 1 2018Paxton (8-2) allowed two hits and two walks while striking out 11 across eight scoreless innings to earn the win Sunday against the Royals.Paxton generated 27 swinging strikes in Sunday's dominant effort, his second-highest total for the season. Though he was going against one of the weaker lineups in the league, his ability to rack up strikeouts is nothing new and his 145 on the season rank fourth in the American League. While he did stumble in consecutive starts against the Red Sox and Yankees, Paxton has stayed healthy this season and emerged to be a reliable asset.
Jun 26 2018Paxton (7-2) picked up the win against the Orioles on Tuesday, striking out 10 and allowing two runs on six hits over seven innings. He issued one walk.Paxton was actually lined up for the loss when he exited the game, but thankfully the Mariners offense rallied for two runs in the top of the eighth inning. The 29-year-old has a 3.65 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with an impressive 134:30 K:BB across 103.2 innings, and is slated for an appetizing matchup against the Royals on Sunday.
Jun 21 2018Paxton (6-2) took the loss Thursday against the Yankees, surrendering four earned runs over 5.0 innings. He registered nine strikeouts but also surrendered two home runs and three walks.The Yankees were aggressive with Paxton early and it paid dividends as New York plated all four of its runs in the first inning. He gave up a leadoff single to Clint Frazier before serving up a home run to Aaron Judge to fall into a 2-0 deficit two batters into the game. He was also taken deep by Miguel Andujar before finally escaping the inning by striking out Greg Bird. Velocity wasn't an issue for Paxton; he was able to consistently hit 96 with his four-seamer and touched 97. However, it was another shaky outing overall for Paxton, which makes it two in a row after getting shelled by the Red Sox in his last outing. Paxton built up too much goodwill in his first 14 outings for owners to be overly concerned by two shaky starts, but his next outing against Baltimore will establish whether the recent hiccups are a trend or an aberration.
Jun 16 2018Paxton lasted just 2.1 innings in a no-decision against the Red Sox on Friday, giving up six runs (five earned) on six hits, striking out four and walking one before the Mariners rallied for a 7-6 victory over Boston.The big left-hander has been performing like an ace this season, but he didn't have it in this contest, with most of the damage against him coming courtesy of a three-run homer he served up to Boston shortstop Xander Bogaerts. Paxton is still having a great year, with a 3.44 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP and 115 strikeouts over 91.2 innings, so this should be considered a bump in the road for the time being. He'll look to right the ship in a tough matchup against the Yankees on the road next Thursday
Jun 11 2018Paxton reportedly felt forearm cramping after the third inning of his Sunday start against the Rays, but he was checked out by trainers and deemed okay to continue, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.Paxton went on to strike out 10 in another impressive performance, but the third and fourth innings were notably his trouble spots during the outing. Divish reports that Paxton was hesitant on some of his fourth-inning offerings as a result of the discomfort he was feeling, but he continued to work through it and ultimately realized he was back to normal. Given that he worked a full seven frames and held the Rays scoreless over his last three, there's no indication Paxton's next start is in any jeopardy.
Jun 10 2018Paxton (6-1) allowed three runs on five hits and no walks across seven innings for the win Sunday against the Rays. He struck out 10.Paxton filled up the strike zone at a 73 percent clip while inducing 15 swinging strikes and getting seven groundball outs. Despite this dominance, he faltered in the third and fourth innings, when he allowed three combined runs on four hits. He settled down after that and cruised through the end of the seventh with his fourth double-digit strikeout game since Apr. 26. Paxton, sporting a 3.02 ERA and an 11.2 K/9, will pitch next weekend against the Red Sox.
Jun 5 2018Paxton (5-1) got the win Tuesday, allowing one run on nine hits and a walk while striking out six over 7.2 innings against the Astros.The nine hits were easily a season-high, eclipsing his previous high of six, but he was mostly able to work out of trouble thanks in part to inducing three inning-ending double plays. Paxton was otherwise sharp once again, notching his seventh quality start in eight tries to lower his ERA to a season-best 2.95. To go along with the sub-3.00 ERA, the lefty boasts an impressive 101:25 K:BB over 82.1 innings. Next up on the docket is a road start Sunday in Tampa Bay.
May 31 2018Paxton allowed two runs on four hits and four walks with five strikeouts over five innings in a no-decision Wednesday against Texas.For the first time in seven starts, Paxton failed to complete the sixth inning, as he was so sloppy through the first five frames that the Mariners decided to cut his start off after 89 pitches. Rangers hitters were able to put his knuckle-curve and cutter in play for hits three times, which extended innings where he would usually lock down another strikeout. That said, if this is a relatively bad start for Paxton, the Mariners will be very happy with his presence atop their rotation. He'll get his next start Tuesday against another division foe in the Astros.
May 26 2018Paxton (4-1) struck out 11 and walked zero in a win over the Twins on Friday, giving up one run on three hits in seven innings.Paxton was very efficient Friday, throwing 72 of 103 pitches for strikes while not walking a batter for the second time in his last three starts. This was the fourth time this year that Paxton has recorded double-digit strikeouts in a game, and he now carries a superb 90:20 K:BB in 69.2 innings. The left-hander has thrown six straight quality starts, and is now holding opponents to a .187 batting average. His next start will be a matchup with the Rangers at home.
May 19 2018Paxton (3-1) allowed two earned runs on three hits and one walk while striking out eight in a complete game effort to earn the win Saturday against the Tigers.In an increasingly rare feat, Paxton completed his second complete game in his past three starts by dominating the Tigers' lineup Saturday night. He allowed only two baserunners past second base and retired the last 14 batters he faced. He has been on an absolute tear since allowing five earned runs in his start April 21, allowing only seven earned runs across five starts and 37 innings since.
May 16 2018Paxton recently dealt with food poisoning but is feeling much better according to manager Scott Servais, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.The southpaw followed up his May 8th no-hitter versus the Blue Jays with a quality start against the Tigers last Sunday, so he's continued to roll along despite apparently dealing with the illness at some point. Manager Scott Servais confirmed the worst is behind Paxton, and that he's putting in his usual work ahead of a scheduled start against the Tigers on Friday.
May 13 2018Paxton allowed three earned runs on six hits while walking none and striking out four across six innings Sunday against the Tigers. He did not factor into the decision.Paxton wasn't able to maintain the dominance he showed over his previous two starts, but the Tigers didn't hit him all that hard and relied on a string of singles in the third inning to do most of their damage. He did allow a solo home run in the fifth inning, but he hasn't had much of a problem with the long ball this season given his 1.01 HR/9. While this wasn't his best start, he has now put together four consecutive quality starts and has solidified himself as a reliable option in any format.
May 8 2018Paxton (2-1) walked through and struck out seven while holding the Blue Jays hitless in 5-0 complete-game shutout win Tuesday.Paxton was both dominant and efficient while throwing the second complete game no-hitter of the season. He needed only 99 pitches -- generating 15 swinging strikes in the process -- to complete the effort, and was also helped by several key defensive plays from the likes of Dee Gordon, Ben Gamel and Kyle Seager. He has now thrown 16 shutout outings across his last two starts and is second in the American League with 67 strikeouts on the season.
May 3 2018Paxton struck out 16 over seven shutout innings and allowed just five hits and a walk but was stuck with a no-decision Wednesday against the Athletics.Seattle's bullpen couldn't make a two-run lead last across the game's final two frames, but Paxton was utterly brilliant. He induced 31 swinging strikes in 105 pitches, and he did almost all of that work with his fastball. Paxton threw 76 four-seamers of those 105 pitches and Athletics hitters whiffed at 25 of them -- just shy of one-in-three. When your fastball is that good, there's no need to change speeds. Paxton has now reached double digits in strikeouts three times this season, and his 17.0 K/9 is first in the majors by a wide margin -- second place belongs to Gerrit Cole at 13.2.
Apr 26 2018Paxton allowed two earned runs on five hits while walking three and striking out 10 across six innings Thursday against the Indians. He did not factor into the decision.Paxton induced an impressive 16 swinging strikes and matched his season-best mark of 10 strikeouts. He remains among the best starting pitchers in the league at inducing strikeouts, with his K/9 up to 12.5 on the season. While his season long numbers aren't impressive on their face, they are inflated by two shaky outings. However, after Thursday's start he has four outings in which he has completed at least five innings without giving up more than two earned runs.
Apr 21 2018Paxton (1-1) didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's win over the Rangers, allowing five runs on six hits and three walks over four innings while striking out six.The left-hander threw 67 of 96 pitches for strikes, and while Paxton did keep the ball in the yard the Rangers still made plenty of hard contact, as five of the six hits he gave up went for extra bases. He'll take an ugly 5.61 ERA, but much more palatable 34:12 K:BB through 25.2 innings, into his next start Thursday in Cleveland.
Apr 17 2018Paxton (1-1) held the Astros to just one run on three hits and three walks with seven strikeouts through six innings to earn the win Monday night.Paxton has been on fire since allowing six runs to Cleveland in his first start. Over his three subsequent starts, Paxton now has 24 strikeouts against just five walks and just a 2.65 ERA. He induced a brilliant 14 swinging strikes in 106 pitches Monday night, an exemplary performance against a stacked Houston lineup.
Apr 11 2018Paxton allowed two runs on six hits and one walk across six innings in a no-decision Wednesday against the Royals. He struck out 10.Paxton seems to have found a groove after struggling in his season opener, as he's allowed just four runs over his previous 11 innings while also compiling a 17:2 K:BB during that stretch. A two-out double from Cheslor Cuthbert plated a pair of runs in the fourth inning, which tied the game up and kept him from receiving a decision, but otherwise the southpaw was sharp Wednesday. He'll look to keep things rolling as he lines up for two starts next week (4/16 vs. HOU, 4/21 @ TEX).
Apr 5 2018Paxton allowed two earned runs on four hits and one walk while striking out seven across five innings Thursday against the Twins. He did not factor in the decision.Paxton rebounded to give a more typical performance in his second start of the season, racking up seven strikeouts even in a short outing. However, it's worth noting that Paxton has induced just three groundballs in his two starts this season, a skill he has relied on in combination with his elite strikeout rate to limit home runs in the past.
Mar 31 2018Paxton completed 4.2 innings and took the loss Saturday against the Indians, allowing six earned runs on six hits and four walks while striking out four.Paxton will want to forget just about everything that happened in this start as he was burned by the long ball and struggled with his command. Yonder Alonso delivered the big blow with a first inning grand slam, but Paxton never looked comfortable on the mound. He consistently fell behind batters-- he started only 10 of the 24 batters he faced with a strike-- and generated only nine swinging strikes on 104 pitches. Paxton will look to put this start behind him at his next scheduled start Thursday against the Twins.
Mar 26 2018Paxton (1-0) allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits and a walk over five innings in Sunday's 11-7 Cactus League win over the Padres. He struck out six.Just passed over by Felix Hernandez (forearm) for the Opening Day start, Paxton nevertheless came out and delivered an effort befitting his No. 2 starter role. The two earned runs he was touched up for came in the form of solo shots in his final inning of work, and he was able to work up to 88 pitches overall, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports. Despite the pair of hiccups, manager Scott Servais came away feeling secure in one of the most important components of his rotation heading into the regular season. "Pax threw the ball really well," Servais said. "He got a couple balls up in the wind that didn't help him out, but he got his pitches in, his stuff was good, his curve was good. I just probably held my breath as much as anything with him out there just to get his pitches in, get him off the mound and let's move forward."
Mar 15 2018Paxton compiled seven strikeouts while allowing two earned runs on three hits and a walk over 4.2 innings in Wednesday's 5-4 Cactus League win over the Giants.Paxton remains on track to be the Mariners' Opening Day starter if Felix Hernandez (forearm) isn't ready to go, and Wednesday's performance was much more befitting of that role than those of his previous two appearances. The left-hander had been knocked around for 11 earned runs over 4.2 innings in that pair of trips to the mound, so the results he generated against the Giants were an especially welcome sight. Paxton's seven whiffs -- the first three which came in a dominant first inning -- were a spring high, as were his 4.2 frames. He'll look to build on the encouraging effort in a likely turn against the Angels next Monday.
Mar 10 2018Paxton allowed four earned runs on five hits and a walk over three-plus innings in Friday's 10-7 Cactus League loss to the Giants. He recorded four strikeouts.The final line wasn't pretty, but the southpaw actually considered it progress from his 1.2 inning-outing versus the Rangers in his last start. According to a report by Greg Johns of MLB.com, Paxton was pleased with both his fastball location and the sharpness of his breaking pitches Friday, which helped him notch his first four strikeouts of the exhibition slate. The improvements he displayed give him reason for optimism that he'll be able to sort the rest of the kinks out before the games start to count. Factoring in Friday's line, the 29-year-old has allowed 11 earned runs on 13 hits and three walks over 6.2 innings across three starts this spring.
Mar 5 2018Paxton allowed seven earned runs on seven hits and one walk over 1.2 innings in Sunday's 10-7 Cactus League win over the Rangers.As his final line implies, Paxton was in trouble early and often, surrendering a solo home run to Robinson Chirinos and a three-run blast to Ryan Rua in the second, with the latter round tripper knocking him out of the contest. Greg Johns of MLB.com reports that Paxton felt his fastball lacked its usual explosion, although he added that he wasn't experiencing any arm trouble. The location issues that the southpaw endured Sunday were in sharp contrast to his first outing, a two-inning, one-hit, one-walk scoreless effort against the Padres on Feb. 27. He'll look to bounce back in a likely Friday start against the Giants.
Jan 12 2018Paxton agreed to a one-year, $4.9 million deal with the Mariners on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.This was the second year as an arbitration-eligible player for Paxton, as the southpaw received a healthy bump up from $2.35 million last offseason. During the 2017 campaign, he posted a 2.98 ERA and 1.10 WHIP while holding a 156:37 K:BB over 24 starts. He did miss time due to forearm and pectoral injuries, but he should be a sought after target with ace potential heading into this season.
Oct 1 2017Paxton pitched six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts during Sunday's loss to the Angels. He didn't factor into the decision.The hard-throwing southpaw lobbied to make a final start this season, and he rewarded the Mariners and fantasy owners with a gem. Paxton will finish the campaign with an impressive 2.98 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 10.3 K/9. Injuries remain a concern entering the 2018 season, but there's no denying Paxton's upside when healthy.
Sep 29 2017Paxton will start Sunday's season finale against the Angels, Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.The Mariners debated shutting Paxton down for the season after his last start Tuesday, but he wanted to take the ball one more time before the 2017 campaign came to a close, and manager Scott Servais ultimately decided to grant his wish. Paxton has faced the Angels three times this season and is 1-0 with a 2.50 ERA, 15:8 K:BB, and .190 BAA.
Sep 28 2017Paxton retains "a 50 percent chance" of starting the Mariners' final game of the season this coming Sunday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.The odds were cited by manager Scott Servais, who was scheduled to meet with Paxton on Wednesday to discuss the matter. Servais emphasized that Paxton wants to take the mound for the final game of the regular season, but that he'd like to talk through the pros and cons of making the start with him before a decision is reached. The Mariners have already pulled Mike Leake and Felix Hernandez from their scheduled starts on Friday and Saturday, leaving open the possibility that they may opt to do the same with Paxton, who had a recent disabled list stint due to a pectoral injury.
Sep 27 2017Paxton allowed three runs on six hits over 5.1 innings Tuesday while striking out five, but he didn't factor into the decision in a 6-3 win over the A's.A four-run seventh inning by the Mariners took Paxton off the hook for his sixth loss of the year. The lefty is currently set to make one more start in the regular-season finale Sunday on the road against the Angels, but the team has been shutting down banged-up players like Felix Hernandez since they were eliminated from postseason contention, and it wouldn't be a surprise if they did the same with the oft-injured Paxton.
Sep 23 2017Paxton, who threw 73 pitches in Thursday's start against the Rangers, saw his fastball reach as high as 98.4 mph during the outing, Josh Horton of MLB.com reports. "It just felt like when I needed something, I could go get it, velocity-wise," Paxton said. "The velocity was better, and I was executing pitches in better locations as a whole."The figure is impressive in and of itself, but also represents a very encouraging improvement over what Paxton was able to muster in his first start back from a disabled list stint due to a pectoral injury. The southpaw had only hit the low 90s with his fastball in that appearance, but he managed to average 94.7 mph Thursday. He's poised to potentially make two more starts before season's end, with the first slated to come against the Athletics next Tuesday.
Sep 22 2017Paxton (12-5) allowed two runs on four hits and two walks through just 3.2 innings to take the loss against Texas on Thursday.Paxton is working his way back from a pectoral injury, and while this was a better showing than his first start off the disabled list, the hard-throwing lefty still hasn't found his pre-injury form. The plan was for the Mariners to squeeze in two more starts for Paxton before the end of the season. He takes a 3.03 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 10.3 K/9 into his next projected outing against the Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum.
Sep 16 2017Paxton could see up to three more starts before the end of the regular season, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.The left-hander endured a forgettable 50-pitch outing in his return from a pectoral injury on Friday, but he could have three more opportunities to redeem himself before the regular season concludes. With the Mariners still within 3.5 games of a wild-card spot, Paxton could potentially take the hill on two occasions during a potentially pivotal season-ending road trip. He'll make his next start this coming Thursday against the Rangers, when he'll try to get back to the level of pitching that's helped him generate a career-best 12 victories in 2017.
Sep 16 2017Paxton (12-4) took the loss against the Astros on Friday, giving up three runs on four hits and two walks over only 1.1 innings without striking out a batter.He needed 50 pitches to record those four outs before getting the hook, throwing just 27 of them for strikes. Paxton hadn't made a start for the M's in over a month and didn't get an opportunity for a proper rehab assignment, so some rust was to be expected. The lefty will next take the mound Thursday at home against the Rangers.
Sep 15 2017The Mariners activated Paxton (pectoral) from the injured list in advance of his scheduled start Friday against the Astros, Greg Johns of MLB.comreports.Paxton is ready to return after missing over a month with his chest injury. He will only be allowed to throw around 50 pitches, so it will be difficult for him to qualify for the win unless he is really on top of his game. That is at least possible, however, as he has allowed the Astros to score just one run in 20 innings over three starts against Houston this season.
Sep 13 2017Paxton (pectoral) threw 10 pitches off the bullpen mound in Arlington on Wednesday in anticipation of his Friday start against the Astros, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.This was the 28-year-old southpaw's final step before making his long-awaited return from the disabled list Friday against the Astros. Paxton will have missed just over a month when he finally returns, having last pitched on Aug. 10 against the Angels.
Sep 10 2017Paxton (pectoral) will be activated from the disabled list and start Friday's game against the Astros, Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.Paxton has been sidelined since Aug. 10 with a pectoral strain but is set to rejoin the Mariners' rotation after five weeks on the mend. Fantasy owners should be cautious with regards to immediately inserting Paxton back into their lineups, as he draws a tough road matchup with the Astros in his first start back. The 28-year-old has as much upside as nearly any pitcher in the league, but may show some signs of rust in his return from the DL.
Sep 8 2017Paxton (pectoral) threw 40 pitches in a simulated game Friday and said afterward that he expects to start next week against the Rangers, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.Having made it through his sim game pain-free, Paxton now faces just one final hurdle -- a standard side session -- on his road back from a pectoral strain. He will likely be on a relatively strict pitch count in his first few starts back, but Paxton has been dominant when on the mound this season and most owners will want to deploy him right away.
Sep 6 2017Paxton (pectoral) is expected to throw 30-35 pitches in a simulated game on Friday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.Paxton has continued progressing without setbacks and could be on track to return in the near future. If Friday's simulated session goes well, it could be the final step before he's cleared to rejoin the rotation for abbreviated starts beginning next week.
Sep 2 2017Paxton (pectoral) will throw another bullpen session Tuesday and then a simulated game next Saturday, Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.He remains on track to return to the Mariners' rotation in mid-September, but has a couple more hurdles to clear before that becomes a reality. Paxton has been sidelined since Aug. 10, and posted a 2.78 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 138 strikeouts in 119.2 innings prior to this latest ailment.
Aug 29 2017Manager Scott Servais said that he expects Paxton (pectoral) to throw off a mound Friday or Saturday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.Since hitting the disabled list Aug. 10 with a left pectoral strain, Paxton has been limited to playing catch, but the lefty has made enough progress in the last few days to move on to the next phase of the rehab process. Servais said that Paxton and Felix Hernandez (shoulder), who remains on a similar recovery timetable to Paxton, would both throw 20-to-25 pitches in the bullpen session. If Paxton endures no further setbacks along the way, he could be on track to rejoin the Mariners' rotation as soon as mid-September, which would put him in line for about two or three more starts before the end of the regular season.
Aug 25 2017Paxton (pectoral) played catch Thursday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.After being shut down for roughly two weeks, Paxton was recently cleared to pick up a baseball again. It sounds like he's a little behind Felix Hernandez (shoulder) in his rehab, but manager Scott Servais suggested both Paxton and Hernandez are about a week away from advancing to mound work. At this point, a mid-September return is looking like a best-case scenario.
Aug 21 2017Paxton (pectoral) is expected to begin throwing Tuesday or Wednesday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.Once Paxton begins his throwing program, a timeframe for his eventual return should begin to take shape. When he's set to rejoin Seattle's rotation, he'll look to resume his fantastic season. Prior to hitting the DL, Paxton had built a 2.78 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over 20 starts.
Aug 16 2017Paxton (pectoral) will be re-examined by team physician Dr. Ed Khalfayan on Friday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.Paxton was diagnosed with a left pectoral strain after exiting last Thursday's start and was initially evaluated by Khalfayan on Tuesday. Friday's check-up will determine if the left-hander is cleared to start playing catch this weekend. For his part, Paxton continues relaying that he's feeling increasingly better, remarking Wednesday that he's "real close to getting on the throwing program."
Aug 14 2017Paxton (pectoral) will see a doctor Tuesday to determine the next steps in his rehab, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.Paxton hasn't thrown since his injury, so even in the best case scenario, it's remains unlikely that he will return in August. He has said, however, that his pectoral muscle is feeling good, so hopefully he will be able to begin throwing immediately and can embark on a rehab assignment within a week.
Aug 11 2017Paxton (pectoral) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Friday and is expected to miss at least three weeks, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.Andrew Moore was recalled in a corresponding move and will be available out of the bullpen right away. Paxton was flying high, completing nine straight quality starts with a 2.15 ERA over that span, but this latest issue serves as a harsh reminder of his lengthy injury history. He spent time on the DL earlier this season with a forearm issue, and has totaled just 381.2 innings over the past four seasons.
Aug 10 2017Paxton (undisclosed) was removed from Thursday's outing against the Angels with an apparent injury and left the field with the Mariners' training staff, Shannon Drayer of MyNorthwest.com reports.This is potentially another blow to the Mariners' pitching depth just days after ace Felix Hernandez went down with a shoulder injury. According to MLB.com's Greg Johns, Paxton grabbed at his upper left pectoral/shoulder area after a pitch in the seventh inning, which prompted the training staff to pay him a mound visit. Paxton had fanned six batters of 6.1 innings of three-run ball prior to his exit. More updates on Paxton's status should be made available once the Mariners release further information.
Aug 10 2017Paxton exitedThursday's start with a left pectoral strain.The lefty was pulled from Thursday's outing after grabbing at his upper chest area, which caused the Mariners' training staff to come out for a mound visit. Fortunately, it appears Paxton did not injure anything related to his shoulder, but a pectoral strain is still something that could put his next start in question. Paxton's status should come into focus in the coming days as his next scheduled turn in the rotation approaches.
Aug 4 2017Paxton (12-3) allowed two runs on four hits and a walk with seven strikeouts over six innings in a win Friday over the Royals.Paxton has now rattled off seven straight wins and has struck out at least seven batters in each of his last six starts. The win pushed the Mariners back over .500 as Paxton is trying to put this team on his back and make them contenders singlehandedly. His ERA is down to 2.70, and Paxton is more and more looking like the ace of this Seattle staff.
Jul 30 2017Paxton (11-3) was dominant in Sunday's win over the Mets, scattering six hits over six shutout innings while striking out eight without a walk.Paxton didn't allow a single extra-base hit while improving his K:BB to 34:1 over 26 innings in his past four starts. He has morphed into the clear ace of Seattle's pitching staff, earning wins in each of his past six appearances while holding opponents to a total of six runs over 39.1 innings for a 1.37 ERA in that span. His Friday road clash with a Royals team that has won 10 of its past 11 games represents a classic unstoppable force meets immovable object conundrum.
Jul 24 2017Paxton (10-3) logged seven dominant shutout innings during Monday's win over the Red Sox. He allowed four hits, issued no walks and recorded 10 strikeouts to pick up his 10th win of the season.Paxton was absolutely masterful during Monday's outing, as he threw 71 of his 103 pitches for strikes and tied his career-high single-game mark of 10 strikeouts. The flame-throwing lefty has a 1.48 ERA over his past five starts and will look to carry his hot streak into his upcoming start against the Mets on Sunday.
Jul 19 2017Paxton (9-3) dominated the Astros on Wednesday, firing seven innings of one-run ball while allowing six hits, walking one batter and striking out seven.The southpaw has dominated the Astros this season, with the third-inning sacrifice fly by George Springer marking the first run allowed by Paxton in 20 innings against Houston this season. He also threw nearly 80 percent of his pitches for strikes and lowered his ERA to 3.05 on the season. Paxton now has fired six straight quality starts, a streak he'll look to continue against the Red Sox on Monday.
Jul 15 2017Paxton (8-3) gave up two runs on five hits over six innings while striking out nine in Friday's 4-2 win over the White Sox.The lefty fired 72 of 103 pitches for strikes while winning his third straight game and delivering his fourth straight quality start. Paxton has a 2.73 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and dominant 30:8 K:BB in 26.1 innings over that four-game stretch, but he'll face a tough test Wednesday on the road against the Astros.
Jul 7 2017Paxton (7-3) allowed two runs on two hits and three walks while striking out nine batters through seven innings during Friday's win over Oakland.The breakout campaign continues for the imposing lefty, as Paxton sports an impressive 3.21 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 10.1 K/9. His 2.86 FIP also affirms his status as a high-end fantasy asset. Looking ahead, Paxton is locked in as a matchup-proof option and could toe the rubber again against the Athletics following the All-Star break.
Jul 3 2017Paxton (6-3) allowed a single run on two hits and two walks while striking out three batters through 6.1 innings during Sunday's win over the Angels.The hard-throwing lefty is having a solid season with a 3.27 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 9.9 K/9. His 2.96 FIP suggests everything he's done to this point is sustainable, too. Paxton is in matchup-proof territory, and he projects to face the Athletics at Safeco Field in his next start.
Jun 27 2017Paxton (5-3) gave up three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out nine over seven innings in Tuesday's loss to the Phillies.The lefty looked more like himself in this one, especially in the early going, as he struck out six over his first three innings while sitting comfortably in the upper 90s with his fastball. He wasn't quite as sharp later in the game, and Maikel Franco's homer in the seventh ultimately sent Paxton to his third straight loss, but he matched a season high with the nine strikeouts. Paxton has been adamant in recent weeks that he is fine physically, but he felt his mechanics were off.
Jun 21 2017Paxton gave up nine hits and four runs (three earned) over 5.1 innings against the Tigers on Wednesday, striking out eight and walking two.He missed a lot of bats, but Paxton also saw a lot of his pitches get hit, which is why he threw 101 of them in this relatively short outing. After getting off to a red-hot start, Paxton spent most of May on the DL, and he hasn't quite been the same since returning. With his numbers having declined into mediocre territory, this might be a good time to swoop in with a buy-low offer.
Jun 16 2017Paxton (5-2) coughed up seven runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four over 3.2 innings in Friday's 10-4 loss to the Rangers.He threw only 52 of 91 pitches for strikes, and the left-hander has now walked exactly three batters and given up at least three runs in each of his last three starts, sending his ERA soaring to a still-strong 3.23. Paxton will look to turn things around Wednesday at home against the Tigers.
Jun 11 2017Paxton (5-1) took the loss Sunday against the Blue Jays, giving up four runs on eight hits over four innings. He walked three batters and recorded three strikeouts.Josh Donaldson homered off Paxton in the first, and the left-hander could not recover from there, although he did not receive offensive help during Seattle's 4-0 loss. It was also Paxton's first loss of the season, but he has now failed to advance past 5.1 innings in all three of his starts since his return from the disabled list on May 31. Regardless, he remains one of the Mariners' top-end starters for the time being.
Jun 7 2017Paxton (5-0) gave up three earned runs on five hits, three walks and two wild pitches over five innings in Tuesday's 12-3 win over the Twins. He struck out four.Although he was less than sharp, the current de facto ace of the Mariners' rotation was able to notch his fifth victory in thanks in part to some robust run support. Paxton gave up his first home run of the season to Brian Dozier in the fourth, while the three earned runs he surrendered were his second-highest total of the season. Control problems led to 96 pitches over just five frames, an early exit and Paxton issuing multiple free passes for the second time in the last three starts. He'll look to turn in a more efficient performance when he takes on the Blue Jays next Sunday.
Jun 1 2017Paxton tossed 5.1 scoreless innings while allowing three hits, zero walks and fanning six Rockies to improve to 4-0 on the season.This was Paxton's fist start since May 2, after missing almost a month with a left forearm strain. He was limited to 74 pitches (57 strikes) as the Mariners ease him back into action. The results matched what Paxton had been doing before the injury. For as long as he remains healthy, he should continue to provide SP1 production on a per-start basis.
May 31 2017Paxton (forearm) was activated from the 10-day disabled list ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday against the Rockies, Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.The Mariners sent reliever Ryne Harper back to Triple-A Tacoma to open up a spot on the active roster for Paxton, who has been sidelined since May 2 with a forearm strain. Paxton required only one rehab start to gear up for the activation, and though he only tossed 55 pitches in that outing, it's not expected that he'll face a strict pitch limit Wednesday. Prior to hitting the DL, Paxton had been the Mariners' top starter, compiling a 1.43 ERA and 45:11 K:BB over 37.2 innings.
May 27 2017Paxton (forearm) will get the start Wednesday against the Rockies, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News-Tribune reports.The Mariners are getting close to full strength in the rotation with Paxton's impending return. Fortunately, Paxton will dodge a start at Coors Field and take the hill at home for the second half of the Mariners' interleague set with the Rockies. Paxton had been electric prior to landing on the disabled list, notching a 1.43 ERA with a 0.98 WHIP alongside 45 strikeouts in 37.2 innings.
May 26 2017Paxton (forearm) threw four innings in a rehab start for Double-A Arkansas on Friday night and is expected to rejoin the rotation Wednesday, MLB.com reports.Paxton threw 55 pitches and allowed two runs on five hits. His control was sharp, as he didn't walk a batter. Paxton was lights out in six starts before hitting the disabled list (1.43 ERA, 0.88 WHIP), and he looks like he's in fine form as he nears his return.
May 25 2017Paxton (forearm) is scheduled to throw 60-to-65 pitches in his rehab start with Double-A Arkansas on Friday, Bob Dutton of the Tacona News Tribune reports.If it goes well, it'll be the final step in Paxton's quest to rejoin the Mariners, and he'd return May 31 at home against the Rockies. Even in the tough matchup, fantasy owners will gladly welcome back his 1.43 ERA, 10.8 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9. We'll provide an update on that outing and his next step when the team releases information.
May 21 2017Paxton (forearm) tossed a successful 37-pitch bullpen session Sunday and will make a rehab start with Double-A Arkansas on Friday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports. He'll likely rejoin the Mariners' rotation on May 31.Paxton has had no issues as he progresses through his rehab program over the past couple of weeks. If all goes according to plan, the hard-throwing lefty is on track to make his return against the Rockies on May 31.
May 20 2017Paxton (forearm) is throwing a bullpen session Saturday and will make a rehab start late next week, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.He is not expected to return to the Mariners' rotation on the upcoming road trip, but could return for the home series against the Rockies that begins May 31. Paxton is expected to make the rehab start for Double-A Arkansas.
May 18 2017Paxton (forearm) felt good after a 25-pitch bullpen session Thursday and will throw another session Sunday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.If everything goes well with Sunday's outing, Paxton will then head on a one-game rehab assignment with Double-A Arkansas. It's unclear when the rehab start would occur, but it seems like the left-hander will be back with the Mariners within the next week or two.
May 18 2017Paxton (forearm) threw from flat ground Wednesday and gave "two big thumbs up" afterward, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.The southpaw is scheduled to log a bullpen session later in the week before enlisting in a minor-league rehab start. A smooth course could bring Paxton back to the Mariners during an eight-game road trip that begins May 23 at the Nationals. His fantasy owners look forward to getting his 1.43 ERA, 10.8 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9 back in their lineups.
May 16 2017Manager Scott Servais reported Tuesday that Paxton (forearm) will require a rehab start and likely won't be activated from the disabled list until the end of the Mariners' upcoming eight-game road trip, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.Paxton is expected to throw a bullpen session Wednesday or Thursday followed by a minor-league rehab start. The Mariners' upcoming road trip runs from May 23 to May 30, so based upon the manager's comments, it's looking like Paxton is targeting a late-May return, barring any setbacks.
May 15 2017Paxton (forearm) will throw a bullpen session Wednesday or Thursday, a precursor to a rehab assignment, the Seattle Times reports.Paxton's swift progress has been dubbed "great news" by Mariners manager Scott Servais. If all goes well, Paxton will likely go on a rehab assignment next weekend, with a chance at returning at some point during Seattle's next road trip, which begins May 23. Considering how scary forearm tightness can be for pitchers, especially those with electric arms like Paxton, this is looking like it will be a swift turnaround for the lefty.
May 12 2017Manager Scott Servais said Friday that he's hoping Paxton (forearm) can return during the team's next road trip, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.There had previously been some hope that Paxton could return during the upcoming homestand, but Servais is now looking at the end of May as a "realistic expectation" for the lefty's activation. Seattle begins its next road trip May 23 at Washington, with three games at Boston and two at Colorado to follow. Paxton played catch Thursday for the first time since landing on the DL.
May 11 2017Muno was signed by the Mariners on Thursday and assigned to Triple-A Tacoma, Rainiers broadcaster Mike Curto reports.Muno was previously signed to a minor-league contract by the Tigers on Feb. 20 but has yet to see any game action in 2017. The 28-year-old has a career .270/.385/.398 minor-league line that includes 104 doubles, 11 triples, 35 home runs and 240 RBI over a total of 555 games. His only previous big-league exposure came with the Mets in 2015, when he hit just .148 with a double over 32 plate appearances. He projects as minor-league depth for the time being.
May 11 2017Paxton (forearm) will start a throwing program Thursday and may return during Seattle's next homestand, MLB Network Radio reports.Manager Scott Servais also said Paxton should rejoin the club before Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma, who are dealing with shoulder injuries. The Mariners' next Safeco Field stretch begins Monday and lasts the full week. Fantasy players with weekly lineups could prepare to toss the dazzling left-hander back into the fray.
May 9 2017Paxton (forearm strain) will do light throwing later in the week, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.Paxton was off to a dominant start with a 1.43 ERA and 45:11 K:BB before the all-too-familiar injury bug caught up with him. If he continues setback-free in his recovery, he should remain on track for a return to action at some point next week.
May 5 2017Paxton (forearm strain) is expected to miss 1-to-2 starts, the Tacoma News Tribune's Bob Dutton reports.Given that it is a strain to his throwing forearm, it would seem like a pretty fortunate outcome if he only missed two starts. Durability was the only real question mark with Paxton coming into the year, and he has indeed proved excellent thus far, but hit the DL before the second week of May. Christian Bergman will be called up by Sunday and is an option to take Paxton's rotation spot in the short term. Dillon Overton is also an option to get a couple spot starts with Paxton sidelined.
May 5 2017Paxton was placed on the 10-day disabled list Friday with a left forearm strain.This is a brutal blow, as Paxton marks the third Mariners starter to hit the DL this season (Felix Hernandez and Drew Smyly). Paxton was off to an impressive start to the campaign (1.43 ERA and 45:11 K:BB through his first six starts), but he walked nearly doubled his walk total in his last start, so it isn't all too surprising that something was up with him. It's unclear how long Paxton will be sidelined with the ailment, but the move is retroactive to his last start, so he'll be eligible for activation May 13 if he's ready. A timetable for return, as well as his possible replacement, should become clearer as more information becomes available.
May 3 2017Paxton (3-0) allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits and five walks while striking out six over 5.1 innings but didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's extra-inning loss to the Angels.It's just the second time in six starts that Paxton has been scored upon, and the second time he's walked more than one batter. The left-hander's 1.43 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 45:11 K:BB through 37.2 innings remain excellent, and he'll look to get back in the win column Sunday at home against the Rangers.
Apr 26 2017Paxton (3-0) allowed just four hits and a walk over seven scoreless innings Wednesday in Detroit, striking out nine en route to an 8-0 victory.He had a five-run misstep in his last start, but Paxton hasn't been scored on in any of his other four outings, leaving him with a 1.39 ERA and 0.84 WHIP to end his April. That's accompanied by a spectacular 39:6 K:BB in 32.1 innings, so Paxton's showing every sign that at age 28, he's finally realizing his potential, becoming the stud lefty we've been hearing about for so long.
Apr 21 2017Paxton didn't factor into the decision in Thursday's start against the Athletics despite racking up eight strikeouts, as he gave up five earned runs on nine hits, a walk and a wild pitch over 4.1 innings.After looking like one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball over his first three starts, Paxton finally looked human against a rather unlikely opponent in the A's. The Mariners lefty fired 91 pitches and did notch 14 swings-and-misses, but ran into trouble in both the third and fifth innings. Paxton powered his way through the former, limiting the damage to two runs by striking out Jed Lowrie, Khris Davis and Trevor Plouffe. However, he had no such luck in his final frame, getting only one out and surrendering two earned runs on three hits, a walk and wild pitch before exiting. Despite the stumble, the 28-year-old still stymied plenty of hitters, and will look to bounce back in a road start against the struggling Tigers next Tuesday.
Apr 15 2017Paxton (2-0) threw eight innings of shutout ball in Saturday's win over the Rangers, striking out nine while allowing two hits and one walk.Paxton was terrific in this one, taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning while displaying some electric stuff that kept the Rangers hitters off balance all night. He also threw 79 of his season-high 114 pitches for strikes while setting seasonal bests for innings pitched and strikeouts. The left-hander has been in dominant form to start the season in piling up 21 consecutive scoreless innings right out of the gate. He will look to further extend his streak Thursday against the Athletics.
Apr 10 2017Paxton pitched seven scoreless innings while allowing just four hits, two walks and striking out eight batters during Monday's 6-0 win over Houston.Considering the Astros are an admirable opponent -- especially against left-handed hurlers -- this was an impressive followup to his solid first outing. Paxton has now pitched 13 scoreless innings with a 0.69 WHIP and 13 strikeouts. He dominated his final 11 starts of 2016 with a 9.44 K/9 (26.1 K%), 3.19 ERA (2.45 FIP) and 1.05 WHIP through 67.2 innings, and it appears the promising lefty is picking up exactly where he left off. Paxton's fantasy stock is rising quickly.
Apr 5 2017Paxton allowed only two hits and a walk with five strikeouts over six shining innings in a no-decision against Houston on Wednesday.He was long gone by the time the Astros pulled out a 13-inning win. A popular name in this year's drafts, Paxton experienced awful BABIP luck last season, leading to a 3.79 ERA that was nearly a full run worse than his FIP (2.85). One of the hardest-throwing starters in the game, Paxton has a chance to develop into a top-flight fantasy asset as he embarks on his first full campaign in the big leagues. Staying healthy will be a major key for him, though, as the 28-year-old's career has been marred by a number of injuries, especially in 2014 and 2015.
Apr 1 2017Paxton fired three scoreless innings in Friday's Cactus League tie with the Rockies, surrendering three hits and a walk. He struck out four.The Mariners' No. 3 starter wrapped up spring in fine fashion and finished the exhibition slate with a 3.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and sparkling 15:2 K:BB over 12 innings across three starts. Paxton will look to pitch a full season for the first time in his career after topping out 121 innings in 2016.
Mar 28 2017Paxton has been named the Mariners' No. 3 starter, the Seattle Times' Ryan Divish reports.He will start at Houston on Apr. 5 against Charlie Morton. Paxton will slot in behind Hisashi Iwakuma in the Mariners' rotation, but he is more appealing than Iwakuma for fantasy purposes, given the big steps forward he took last season. The only question is how many inning he will be able to log, as injuries have been a big part of the first four years of his MLB career.
Mar 25 2017Paxton (illness) was able to make a minor-league start Saturday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.Paxton has been under the weather for a few days, but he was able to get his work in. He looks good, too, as he has recorded an outstanding 11:1 K:BB ratio during Cactus League action to date.
Mar 23 2017Paxton (illness) will have his scheduled start Friday skipped due to a head cold, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.Hisashi Iwakuma will take Paxton's spot on the mound for Friday's game against the Royals. Fortunately, Johns is reporting that Paxton is just dealing with a case of the cold, so there's little reason for concern regarding the hard-throwing lefty's status heading into the season. Although Paxton has given up four earned runs over 9.0 innings this spring, he's sporting a strong 11:1 K:BB over that stretch.
Mar 21 2017Paxton threw 80 pitches and recorded eight strikeouts over 4.2 innings in a minor league game Sunday afternoon, Doug Miller of MLB.com reports. "I definitely could have thrown more fastballs today, but we wanted to work on the curveball and the cutter and throwing them behind in counts," Paxton said. "I feel really good about where I'm at. I'm right where I should be."The Mariners' projected No. 3 pitcher gave up two earned runs on three hits and two walks but most important, was able to work on different pitches in a low-pressure environment. Paxton has generated an 11:1 K:BB over nine innings across three appearances (two starts) this spring and is looking to stay healthy after topping out at 20 starts in a season in 2016.
Mar 15 2017Paxton (1-0) gave up an earned run on three hits over four innings in Tuesday's 7-6 Cactus League win over the White Sox. He struck out four.Paxton cruised through what was his longest stint of spring, with the third-inning solo home run he surrendered to Yolmer Sanchez the only true blemish on his 62-pitch outing. The left-hander has posted an 0.89 WHIP and .212 BAA over nine spring innings, with the three round-trippers on his ledger thus far the one area of concern. Despite the one long ball Tuesday, Paxton came away feeling positive overall about his progress through three appearances. "I didn't feel great out there and didn't have my best stuff," Paxton said. "But I mixed speeds a little, kept them off balance. It's going to happen during the season. There'll be days I don't have my good curveball or cutter and just have to figure it out. It's the learning process, and I feel like I've learned a lot about myself."
Mar 10 2017Paxton fanned five and gave up one earned run on one hit over three innings in Thursday's 8-6 Cactus League win over the Cubs.Paxton's only hiccup was allowing Anthony Rizzo's first homer of spring in the first inning, as he then proceed to retire the next seven batters he faced. Impressively, four of Paxton's five strikeouts came on called third strikes, as he got ahead of hitters with his fastball before using a sharp curve to close the deal. His performance thus far this spring represents a sharp contrast to a rocky effort last year, one that resulted in Paxton starting the season at Triple-A Tacoma. The 28-year-old has locked in to a lower arm slot that already helped him up his velocity in the second half of last season, and his fastball has reached the upper 90s this spring on a consistent basis. Considering his strikeout victims Thursday included Kris Bryant, Willson Contreras, Kyle Schwarber and Jason Heyward, Paxton made a considerable impression. "Paxton was really the story of the day," manager Scott Servais said after his reserves rallied with four runs in the ninth to pull out the victory. "We swung the bats really well, but Paxton was really on top of his game against their 'A' lineup out there. It was great to see him using all his pitches and working both sides of the plate. Very, very encouraging."
Mar 5 2017Paxton surrendered two earned runs on three hits and one walk over two innings in Saturday's 4-3 Cactus League win over the Rockies. He struck out two.The Mariners' projected No. 3 starter fired 40 pitches over his time on the mound, with his performance a tale of two contrasting frames. Paxton yielded a two-run homer to Ian Desmond in the fourth after having surrendered a double to DJ LeMahieu earlier in the inning, but came back to whiff Trevor Story with a man on to close things out. The 28-year-old then pitched a scoreless fifth, retiring LeMahieu with Charlie Blackmon on to wrap up his initial spring appearance. Paxton will move into his normal spot in the rotation and draw the start against the Cubs on Thursday, which he feels will help with his performance. "I'll definitely be ready for three innings next time. It felt a little bit off there. My timing wasn't very good. But that will come. I'll go back to work and get ready for the next one."
Feb 27 2017Paxton is scheduled for his spring debut next Saturday versus the Rockies, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.Paxton will be the last member of the projected starting rotation to see action this spring, and he won't actually open the game versus Colorado. Rather, the 28-year-old southpaw will "piggyback" starter Yovani Gallardo, going through his full pre-game routine as if preparing to start the game but actually working in a relief capacity. Paxton is scheduled for a normal workload this spring and recently commented that he's "scheduled for 25 (spring) innings" and that he's "healthy and right on schedule."
Feb 16 2017Paxton was impressive in his first bullpen session of camp Thursday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.The 28-year-old southpaw reportedly flashed impressive velocity during his session, an encouraging sign for a pitcher the Mariners are hoping can finally break out in 2017. Paxton has been solid over 50 major league starts across his first four seasons, going 18-15 with a 3.43 ERA. However, he's yet to surpass 121 innings or six victories in any of those campaigns, and his 20 starts in 2016 represented a career high. Paxton is currently penciled in as Seattle's third starter behind Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma heading into spring training.
Jan 13 2017Paxton agreed to a one-year deal with the Mariners on Friday, avoiding arbitration, MLB.com's Greg Johns reports.This was Paxton's first year as an arbitration-eligible player. The terms of the agreement were not announced. He is a trendy breakout candidate this season, as he showed velocity gains and posted a 2.80 FIP in 20 starts last season, which was not reflected in his 3.79 ERA.
Sep 28 2016Paxton (6-7) allowed three runs on six hits, struck out eight and walked one over 5.0 innings in a victory over the Astros on Wednesday.Seattle's offense spotted him six runs in the first two frames, so there wasn't any real need to push Paxton on Wednesday. He threw 91 pitches, 66 of which were for strikes. In his final three outings, he posted a 11.37 K/9 rate. Overall, Paxton finishes 2016 with a 3.79 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 117 strikeouts in 121.0 innings.
Sep 24 2016Paxton allowed one run on five hits and one walk Friday with seven strikeouts in seven innings in a win at the Twins.Better defense and Paxton might not have given up any runs. In his last three starts, Paxton has a 2.25 ERA with 19 strikeouts and two unintentional walks. Paxton's summer was interrupted by forearm tightness and then a broken fingernail, but since July 22, he's allowed two runs or less in six of 10 starts. Saturday he easily pitched in the high 90s and had excellent command of his curveball. The bigger question is whether this latest run is a sign of Paxton finally harnessing his potential or merely a hot streak.
Sep 17 2016Paxton fell to 4-7 with Saturday's loss to the Astros, but he only allowed two runs on four hits and a walk with seven strikeouts in seven strong innings.Paxton was dominant and hardly allowed a baserunner apart from the sixth inning, when he allowed two runs as four men reached base before he could escape the jam. Paxton has now delivered a pair of quality starts after struggling at the start of the month, and his ERA is down to 3.88. He will next take the mound Friday versus the Twins.
Sep 11 2016Paxton took a no-decision after allowing two runs on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts in six innings during Sunday's 3-2 win over the A's.Paxton delivered his first quality start since August 7, but didn't factor into the decision as Seattle didn't plate the game-winning run until the ninth inning. He also got his ERA (3.97) back under four with the outing despite walking multiple batters for the first time since July 2. He'll look to build off Sunday's success when he takes on the Astros at home next Saturday,
Sep 7 2016Paxton (4-6) allowed six runs (four earned) on nine hits despite striking out eight batters in 4.1 innings in Tuesday's loss to the Rangers.Paxton's start was in jeopardy due to a torn fingernail suffered in his last start. It didn't seem like his grip was giving him too much trouble -- he was still nasty, with 15 swinging strikes powering his eight strikeouts. His defense didn't help, but Paxton was undone by a two-run homer from Jonathan Lucroy in the fifth inning, just the eighth he has allowed in 16 starts this season.
Sep 4 2016Paxton, who tested the repair nail on his middle finger Saturday in a bullpen session, is expected to make his scheduled start Tuesday against the Rangers, the Tacoma News Tribune reports.Paxton tore the finger nail in his last start. Unless something crops up in the next few days it looks like he'll start Tuesday. But it wouldn't be surprising if the nail gives him trouble with his grip as he gets deeper into the game.
Sep 2 2016Paxton (finger) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.Paxton had a fake fingernail put on his hand to help repair a torn nail. Saturday's bullpen session will be done to test his ability to throw following the application of his new nail. As long as the session goes well, he's expected to start Tuesday against the Rangers.
Aug 31 2016Paxton, who tore the nail on the middle finger of his pitching hand Tuesday, will have a fake nail put on to, hopefully, cement the torn nail in place so he can make his next start, the Seattle Times reports.After he gets the fake nail, he won't know about his next start until he sees how it responds after a bullpen session. Paxton, who tore the same nail late last season, had trouble gripping cutters and changeups Tuesday. He was reduced to throwing only fastballs and curveballs for the final three innings of his start.
Aug 30 2016Paxton tore the fingernail on the middle finger of his throwing hand in his last start, but hopes to still make his next scheduled start Monday against the Rangers, the Seattle Times' Ryan Divish reports.He tore the same fingernail last year, although this time it is not believed to be as severe. Paxton tore the fingernail in the third inning of his last start, and while he stayed in to pitch two more innings, he was limited to only fastballs and curveballs as he lacked the feel to throw his changeup. Continue to monitor the situation, as Paxton's ability to throw later this week could determine his status for Monday's start.
Aug 26 2016Paxton allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out five over five innings in his return from the disabled list Thursday against the White Sox.He left with a lead, but it didn't hold up thank to Seattle's bullpen and defense. Nonetheless, this represents a solid return for Paxton, who continues to show much-improved control. He's walked only six batters in his last seven starts -- a massive sea change from last year's ugly 3.90 BB/9. With his seemingly relatively minor elbow injury behind him, look for Paxton to offer more length in future starts.
Aug 25 2016Paxton has been confirmed as Thursday's starter against the White Sox.Paxton was activated off the disabled list earlier Thursday after missing just over two weeks with an elbow injury, and the team has now made it official that he'll start Thursday's tilt against Chicago. The lefty is coming off a pair of strong outings before landing on the DL, allowing just two runs (one earned) over 16.1 innings in his last two starts.
Aug 25 2016The Mariners activated Paxton (elbow) from the disabled list Thursday.Paxton is ready to rejoin the Mariners' rotation after missing nearly three weeks with tightness in his elbow. The Mariners still have not officially confirmed him as their starting pitcher for Thursday's game against the White Sox, but all signs point to that being the case. Paxton will look to pick up where he left off after allowing just one earned run in 16.1 innings over two starts earlier in August.
Aug 21 2016Paxton (elbow) will likely slot back into the Mariners' rotation later this week, MLB.com's Greg Johns reports.Paxton threw just three innings in a rehab outing with Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday, but he did not run into any trouble and escaped the game without a setback, so it seems likely his next outing will come with the big club later this week. The Mariners' rotation this week is in flux, so it remains to be seen where exactly Paxton will jump in.
Aug 18 2016Paxton (elbow) will throw three innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.Upon completion of a bullpen session Thursday, Paxton was given an official start date and location for his minor league rehab assignment. The Mariners have not outlined a firm plan for Paxton but he may need one additional start beyond Saturday to build up his pitch count. Regardless, the lefty appears on track to return before the end of the month.
Aug 16 2016Paxton (elbow) is expected to throw a bullpen session Thursday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.The M's were forced to make a DL move with Paxton on Tuesday (retroactive to Aug. 8), but if he makes it through Thursday's bullpen and a subsequent live session, he should return next week shortly after his 15 days are up. Cody Martin will serve as Seattle's fifth starter on a temporary basis.
Aug 16 2016Paxton (elbow) was placed on the 15-day DL on Tuesday, retroactive to Aug. 8.Things were trending in this direction as Paxton was ruled out for Tuesday's start due to lingering forearm tightness, and the Mariners went ahead and made the move, recalling Cody Martin to fill Paxton's roster spot. It's uncertain if Martin or Joe Wieland will toe the rubber Wednesday. With a backdated stint, Paxton will be eligible to return as soon as Aug. 23.
Aug 15 2016Paxton (elbow) is still experiencing forearm tightness and will not start Tuesday's game against the Angels, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.Seattle has said that a DL stint is possible for Paxton, however, it would be made retroactive to August 8, making him eligible to return Aug. 23. Before being injured, Paxton had been putting together a respectable season, posting a 3.53 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. Ariel Miranda will start in his place Tuesday.
Aug 14 2016Mariners manager Scott Servais said that Paxton (elbow) is on track to start Tuesday against the Angels, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.Paxton's last appearance came Aug. 7 against the Angels, when he covered 8.1 innings and gave up one unearned run. However, he was unable to escape the outing unscathed, as he took a liner off his left elbow before departing. X-rays on the elbow came back negative and didn't warrant a DL stint, and after completing a bullpen session over the weekend, it looks like Paxton is good to go. Paxton should be in line for a full workload when he returns to the mound Tuesday.
Aug 12 2016Paxton (elbow) said will throw a bullpen session Saturday and could start Tuesday or Wednesday in Anaheim, the Tacoma News Tribune's Bob Dutton reports.He felt some tightness during his throwing session Thursday, but said his throwing session Friday went well, and he is set for a bullpen session Saturday. Assuming that goes well, Paxton should rejoin the rotation either Tuesday or Wednesday.
Aug 12 2016Paxton said he felt some tightness in his elbow while playing catch Thursday, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.The lefty showed up at the ballpark Thursday with reduced swelling and gained clearance to play catch, but it seems he's still dealing with the effects from being hit by a comebacker last weekend. A return to the Mariners' rotation early next week is still on the table but so, it would seem, is a DL stint if the discomfort continues to linger.
Aug 11 2016Paxton said the "swelling is just about gone" from his elbow after being hit by a line drive, but he won't return until next week, the Tacoma News Tribune reports.Paxton is expected to play catch Thursday and throw a bullpen session this weekend. If all goes well, he could be ready to return early next week to the rotation.
Aug 11 2016Paxton (elbow) is not scheduled to start for the Mariners this weekend.It was thought that Paxton could start this weekend against the A's, perhaps on Saturday, but Hisashi Iwakuma is listed as the probable starter Saturday and Wade LeBlanc is the probable starter Sunday. X-rays were negative on his elbow after he was hit by a comebacker in his last start and he played catch Wednesday, but it remains to be seen when he will make his next start. Monday's starter is listed as TBD, so Paxton could take the ball in that game against the Angels if his elbow is feeling better, but at this point it would be risky to assume Paxton will pitch for the big league club in the near future.
Aug 9 2016Paxton (elbow) is slated to play light catch Wednesday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.X-rays were negative after Paxton was drilled on the elbow by a comebacker in the ninth inning Sunday, and it sounds like the extra rest provided by Thursday's team off day may be enough to allow Paxton to pitch this weekend without skipping a full turn. He was said to be feeling better Monday with reduced swelling. If it turns out Paxton cannot go this weekend, the Mariners can simply move their other starters up to go on normal rest.
Aug 8 2016Paxton (elbow) is expected to return by the end of the week, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.Fortunately for the club, it appears that a stint on the DL won't be necessary Paxton. The team currently plans to let Paxton have a couple more days off to allow his elbow swelling to reduce, but he should return in the near future.
Aug 7 2016Paxton immediately exited Sunday's game after taking a ball off of his left arm in the ninth inning, Shannon Drayer of KIRO AM reports.Paxton pitched extremely well into the ninth inning of the contest, allowing one run (none earned) on five hits and a walk while adding six strikeouts before leaving. The team is hoping for a bone bruise, but Paxton has been sent for X-rays. The team should update his status again when the results are read.
Aug 7 2016Paxton's X-rays on his elbow came back negative, and he is considered day-to-day with a left elbow contusion.Paxton took a ball off of his left elbow in the ninth inning of Sunday's game, and immediately exited the game. The southpaw will be re-evaluated on Monday.
Aug 1 2016Paxton came up empty in a brilliant effort, finishing with a no-decision in Monday's 2-1 loss to the Red Sox despite holding them to just one run on four hits while striking out six without a walk over eight innings.Paxton and Eduardo Rodriguez were both matching zeroes for a while, but the Boston starter finally blinked in the bottom of the seventh and gave up an RBI double to Dae-Ho Lee. The Mariners lefty sadly couldn't make the lead hold up, giving up a solo homer to Aaron Hill in the next frame. He still pitched well enough to win on most nights, and has now accrued an outstanding 21:2 K:BB over his last three appearances. A home matchup with a less explosive but still dangerous Angels offense should yield another strong start for the southpaw Saturday.
Jul 27 2016Paxton (3-5) threw five innings of three-run ball while allowing six hits and a walk and striking out six, but took the loss as opposing starter Gerrit Cole threw a CG.Although the final score was Pirates 10, Mariners 1, Paxton did his best to keep the game close, and it wasn't until Paxton was yanked that the Pirates broke the game wide open. Paxton continued to flash his newfound velocity, his fastball averaging a blazing 97 mph this season, best of any left-handed starter. But the six strikeouts in five innings were actually better than his season-long rate of 8.4 K:9. He also continued to pound the strike zone, issuing just his 17th free pass of the season in 11 starts. With only 5 home runs allowed on the season, the only explanation for his mediocre 4.27 ERA is his opponent's batting average on balls in play, which sits at .374, the fifth highest in the MLB among pitchers with at least 60 innings pitched.
Jul 23 2016Paxton (3-4) struck out nine Blue Jays while giving up just one earned run on three hits and a walk over seven innings in Friday's 2-1 victory over Toronto.The 27-year-old southpaw was outstanding in one of the best hitting environments in the majors. He induced a whopping 19 swining strikes, equaled the second-lowest amount of earned runs he's surrendered in a start this season and posted his second-best strikeout total as well. Paxton has had an up-and-down campaign, but has now emerged victorious in two of his three July decisions.
Jul 15 2016Paxton was hit hard in Friday's loss to the Astros, allowing six runs on nine hits and on walk across just five innings. He did record one strikeout.The left-hander allowed just a solo home run through the first four innings, but he imploded in the fifth, when he allowed five men to reach and yielded four total runs, two of which came via wild pitch. Paxton had pitched well in his two outings prior to the All-Star break, but his prospects of bouncing back do not look great heading into his next start Friday at Toronto.
Jul 7 2016Paxton allowed just two runs with a pair of strikeouts and one walk across eight strong innings in Thursday's start versus the Royals. He did not factor into the decision.Paxton was remarkably efficient, as he needed just 78 pitches to get through eight frames, throwing 53 for strikes. He ran into a bit of trouble in the eighth and allowed a pair of runs that tied the game before being removed at the start of the next inning, tarnishing what could have been an even better start. Thursday's events were still encouraging, and Paxton will carry a 3.91 ERA into his next start after the All-Star break.
Jul 3 2016Paxton allowed four runs -- three earned -- on nine hits and two walks in 5.2 innings Saturday in a win against the Orioles. He struck out two.Paxton had few problems through the first five innings and was staked to a 9-2 lead entering the sixth. He couldn't make it out of that inning, though, as he gave up two runs on two walks and three hits. Paxton had a few good outings after debuting June 1, but he's been pretty mediocre and far too hittable in his last three starts. He's allowed 12 earned runs in those 18.1 innings and nearly double-digit hits in all (13.75 H/9). Fortunately, none have left the yard. Paxton said rather than staying on top of the ball, he got to the side of it in the sixth inning. We'll see if he can adjust in his next start.
Jun 26 2016Paxton allowed five runs on eight hits and two walks in five innings in Sunday's start versus the Cardinals. He struck out seven and did not factor into the decision.The lefty had a 2.77 ERA in his four starts prior to Sunday, but he wore down in the fifth inning when he allowed five runs on four extra-base hits and an error. Paxton continues to strike out batters at a high rate, as he now has 10.6 K/9 rate on the season, and he will attempt to right the ship Saturday versus the Orioles.
Jun 21 2016Paxton (1-3) allowed four runs on 11 hits and three walks with five strikeouts over 7.2 innings in Tuesday's loss to Detroit.Paxton appeared to run out of gas, as he threw five shutout innings but gave up one apiece in the sixth, seventh and eighth as his pitch count rose. He had thrown 110 pitches (71 strikes, 12 swinging) by the time the Mariners finally pulled him, and by that point the damage had been done. Paxton had a streak of three quality starts snapped -- and he would have had a fourth had he not been sent out to try and pitch the eighth inning. He owns a 3.34 ERA with a crisp 34:9 K:BB in just 29.2 innings.
Jun 16 2016Paxton (1-2) held the Rays to three runs on seven hits over six innings Thursday for his first win of the season. He struck out five and walked two.Despite the victory, this was Paxton's second-worst start of the four he's made this year -- he went unrewarded for sparkling outings against the Rangers and Indians that ended in defeat for Seattle. Once among the majors' most highly touted pitching prospects before injuries derailed his last two seasons, Paxton's delivered three straight quality starts while showcasing never-before-seen control (by his standards, anyhow) -- that 29:6 K:BB in 22 innings should have him flying off waiver wires.
Jun 6 2016Paxton (0-2) struck out 10 and allowed three runs (just one earned) on five hits and a walk over six innings in a loss Monday against Cleveland.After Paxton's rough debut (3.2 IP, 8 R, 3 ER) Wednesday, he needed a start like this one to reaffirm that he belongs in Seattle's rotation. This is the kind of nastiness expected of Paxton, who brings the rare upper-90s heat as a left-hander. Paxton drew an absurd 20 swinging strikes on 107 pitches and backed it up with six groundball outs out of eight outs in play. If Paxton can combine that kind of swing-and-miss stuff with regular grounders, he can live up to the expectations the Mariners' high expectations for him.
Jun 2 2016Paxton will remain in the rotation for at least one more start, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.Despite being shelled in Wednesday's loss to the Padres, the Mariners will stick with Paxton in the rotation for now as he gets re-acclimated to facing major league competition. The 27-year-old has a track record of success at the big league level, highlighted by his 3.04 ERA over 13 starts in 2014. Paxton still possesses potential, and the Mariners are shorthanded when it comes to options in the rotation with Felix Hernandez (calf) on the disabled list. As it stands, Paxton will have a chance to re-establish himself as a member of the rotation Monday when the Mariners face the Indians.
Jun 2 2016Paxton was mauled by the Padres in his first start of the season Wednesday, as he allowed a whopping eight runs (three earned) on 10 hits and a walk in 3.2 innings.If you're looking for a silver lining, seven of his 11 outs came via the strikeout. The 27-year-old Paxton has delivered promising results (3.97 ERA, 50:14 K:BB) in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League this year, and after he posted a 3.90 ERA with the Mariners last season, he should be in line to get an extended chance at some point. However, his current stay with the M's could be a short one, as he only has a rotation spot while Felix Hernandez is on the DL.
Jun 1 2016Paxton was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma Wednesday and will start against the Padres, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.Paxton will take Felix Hernandez's spot in the rotation until he is back from the 15-day DL. The former fourth-round pick has posted a 3.97 ERA and 1.17 WHIP to go along with an impressive 9.5 K/9 through 10 starts at Triple-A this season.
Mar 28 2016Paxton, who was competing for the last spot in the rotation, was demoted to Triple-A Tacoma on Monday after getting hammered in his final spring start Sunday.The Mariners didn't even wait for Nate Karns, who was named the fifth starter, to make his final start before demoting Paxton.
Mar 19 2016Paxton struggled in his last start but hasn't necessarily taken a step back in the competition for the fifth spot in the rotation with Nate Karns, who had a better outing Friday, the Seattle Times reports.Paxton was awful in his start Thursday, failing to make it out of the third inning, allowing seven runs, six hits and three walks in two-plus innings. He struck out none and also hit a batter. Karns wasn't great Friday, but he did a much better job of getting out of jams and limiting damage. "When I lost the handle of my breaking stuff, I kind of lost it on my fastball," Paxton said. "I should have known that early, figured that out and gone mostly fastball-changeup, because that's what was feeling good." Manager Scott Servais said execution and in-game adjustments could be the "deciding factor" in choosing a fifth starter. "I still think it's relatively close," Servais said. "... It's still a competition. I know they feel it, which for me is a good thing. Competition usually brings out the best in people. And if I'm not mistaken, it gets really competitive on April 4 as well, so you need to be able to handle that stuff."
Mar 8 2016Paxton, who is competing for the fifth spot in the rotation, struggled Monday as he allowed four runs and seven hits in three innings with one strikeout and no walks.Paxton threw 25 pitches in the first inning but needed only seven to get out of the second inning. He threw 47 total, 33 for strikes. He's battling Nate Karns for the last rotation job.
Mar 1 2016Paxton added a high fastball to his pitching arsenal and refined his changeup this offseason, the Tacoma News Tribune reports.Paxton worked on those pitches because his recovery last autumn from a torn fingernail prevented him from throwing breaking balls. "My changeup got way better (in the Fall League), and that high fastball changed everything," Paxton said. "Guys were always looking down in the zone for me because I have that (12-to-6) angle. But when I change the angle, and have a high fastball, they can't cheat down there all of the time." Paxton needs to prove he can stay healthy this year after missing major time the last two seasons. He's 27, and it's time to blossom already. He'll make his first spring start Wednesday as he competes with Nate Karns for the fifth spot in the rotation.
Feb 23 2016Mariners manager Soctt Servais admitted that it will be hard to count on Paxton for 30 starts, The News Tribune reports.Paxton has shown flashes of his potential when healthy, but injuries limited him to 13 starts apiece in 2014 and 2015. He enters spring training at full health and should have the upper hand on Nate Karns in a competition for the final rotation spot. If Paxton loses the battle, he'll likely still have a spot in the bullpen on the Opening Day roster.
Feb 9 2016Paxton will work on his curveball for the first time this offseason in a bullpen session Friday, 710 ESPN's Shannon Drayer reports.He threw his fastball and changeup Tuesday, but has not thrown a breaking ball this offseason, so Friday will mark an important step in his recovery from a finger injury. Given Paxton's injury history, the Mariners made a point not to go into spring training relying on him this season, but he will have the chance to beat out Nate Karns for the fifth spot in the rotation.
Nov 23 2015Paxton (finger) has spent the offseason throwing simulated games at the Mariners' minor league complex in Arizona, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.Paxton threw seven simulated innings Monday and will do so again later this week before shutting down for spring training. Among his 13 starts in 2015, seven went at least six innings, while only three reached the seven-inning threshold, which the aforementioned regimen is attempting to remedy as a part of the Mariners' rotation.
Sep 30 2015Paxton (finger) will not start Wednesday against the Astros. He has been shut down for the remainder of the season.Manager Lloyd McClendon said Tuesday that Paxton was "highly unlikely" to toe the rubber Wednesday, and sure enough, the team will be forced to turn elsewhere for the series finale against Houston. Tony Zych has been tabbed for the start Wednesday, while Paxton will be given time to rest the finger before pitching in the Arizona Fall League.
Sep 28 2015Manager Lloyd McClendon said it's highly unlikely that Paxton will start Wednesday, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.The Mariners were hopeful that Paxton would be able to pitch Wednesday, but it appears that will not be the case. It remains to be seen if he will take the ball again before the regular season comes to a close.
Sep 26 2015The Mariners are hoping Paxton (finger) will be able to pitch Wednesday against the Astros, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.A torn fingernail abruptly ended Paxton's outing Thursday, his third start back after missing more than three months with a strained finger tendon. The M's will give him at least one additional day between starts this time through, with Vidal Nuno now tabbed to start Tuesday on short rest.
Sep 24 2015Paxton left Thursday's game against the Royals after just 1.1 innings with a torn fingernail.Paxton allowed two runs on five in the start, but won't add to the statline because of the issue. He had another issue with a finger that cause him to go to the disabled list earlier in season, and it wouldn't be surprising if he's made his last start of the season. If not, his next scheduled start would come Tuesday against the Astros.
Sep 18 2015Paxton didn't factor into the decision during Friday's win over Texas, giving up one run on six hits and four walks while striking out six over 4.1 innings.Poor control was Paxton's Achilles heel as he weaved in and out of trouble on Friday, with 42 of his 88 pitches missing the strike zone. Paxton has walked seven batters in 7.1 innings since returning from a finger injury that cost him virtually the entire summer - a continuation of his poor command from earlier this season. In 12 starts this season, Paxton has a horrific 3.97 BB/9 ratio.
Sep 15 2015Paxton will make his next start Friday in Texas, the Tacoma News Tribune's Bob Dutton reports.This tweak will allow Paxton to make an extra start this season. The Mariners are also planning on sending Paxton to the Arizona Fall League as another measure to build up his workload in advance of the 2016 season.
Sep 13 2015Paxton (3-4) took the loss Sunday against the Rockies after giving up three runs (two earned) on two hits and three walks over three innings.Making his first start for the Mariners since May 28, Paxton was expected to be capped at 80 to 85 pitches, but manager Lloyd McClendon ended up pulling the right-hander after 66 pitches due to his spotty control. Paxton may still face some restrictions in his upcoming start later this week in Texas, but the Mariners are likely just happy to have him back healthy after a strained middle finger tendon cost him three and a half months of action.
Sep 13 2015Paxton (finger) has been activated and will take the mound Sunday against the Rockies.Paxton was already announced as the starter, so this is just an official move. He should remain in the rotation going forward as he looks to continue his rather successful run in the majors each of the past couple seasons.
Sep 11 2015Paxton (finger) will start Sunday against the Rockies, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.With Paxton responding well to his bullpen session Thursday, the training staff has signed off on him stepping back onto the major league mound for the first time since May 28. A strained middle finger tendon originally sidelined Paxton, and several setbacks, including a partially torn fingernail and blister most recently, delayed his return to Seattle. The lefty has turned in a 3.70 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 45:22 K:BB in 58.1 innings with the Mariners this season.
Sep 8 2015Paxton (finger) is likely to start Sunday's game against the Rockies, 710 ESPN's Shannon Drayer reports.A blister and a partially torn fingernail sidelined Paxton amid his rehab with Triple-A Tacoma, but it looks like he should still make it back for a few turns in the Mariners' rotation down the stretch. Injuries wiped out most of Paxton's 2015 season, but he still figures to break camp in 2016 as a member of the big league rotation.
Sep 4 2015Paxton (finger) has a partially torn fingernail and will be shut down for the weekend, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.Luckily, Paxton's injury is unrelated to the tendon injury that has sidelined him for the majority of the season, but it's still yet another setback for the left-hander. He'll likely be re-evaluated after the weekend, at which point, the team will determine when he can make his next rehab appearance.
Sep 2 2015Paxton exited Wednesday's rehab start with a trainer after apparently re-injuring his finger, Triple-A Tacoma broadcaster Mike Curto reports.Paxton pitched into the fourth inning, but was taken out after throwing a pitch and being examined by a team doctor, who was looking at Paxton's finger. Paxton's status moving forward will be uncertain until the Mariners release an update, but this figures to delay his potential return date.
Sep 2 2015The Mariners announced that Paxton was removed from Wednesday's rehab start with a blister on his finger, MLB.com's Greg Johns reports.It's encouraging that Paxton is dealing with a blister and not something more serious, but this still figures to push back his recovery timetable. The Mariners will likely update his status again after he is checked out by the team's medical staff.
Aug 23 2015Paxton (finger) only recorded two outs in Sunday's rehab start for Triple-A Tacoma.Working on a strict pitch count in his first rehab start, Paxton was unable to make it out of an ugly first inning, giving up a run on two hits and a walk along the way. He figures to have an extended rehab assignment and probably won't rejoin the rotation until mid-to-late September, if at all this season.
Aug 22 2015Paxton (finger) will begin his rehab assignment on Sunday with Triple-A Tacoma, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.It's promising news for the lefty, who has been on the DL since May with a strained middle finger. Even so, it appears as if Paxton will need multiple rehab outings before he is cleared to join the Mariners.
Aug 21 2015Paxton (finger) is expected to make a rehab start for Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.On the heels of a two-inning simulated game Tuesday, Paxton got more throwing work in prior to Friday's game and flashed a thumbs up to reporters as he left the field. He's expected to join the team's top minor league affiliate for his first rehab start, but after several months on the shelf, Paxton figures to require more than one rehab outing.
Aug 18 2015Paxton (finger) threw two innings in a simulated game Tuesday, Bob Dutton of The News Tribune reports. "After today, personally I feel I'm ready to go for a rehab start," said Paxton following the sim game.This is a great sign for Paxton, who has been on the shelf since May and has had several stops and starts throughout his rehab process. Given the length of time he's been out, Paxton will likely need multiple rehab starts to stretch out to a starter's workload. Still, it sounds as though a rehab assignment should be the next step for Paxton.
Aug 15 2015Paxton will throw a simulated game Tuesday and could enter a rehab assignment after that, Shannon Drayer of 710 AM ESPN Seattle reports.Paxton also threw a 45-pitch bullpen session Friday and reported no problems, per Drayer. Throwing to batters will be a significant step in Paxton's rehab and should solidify an early-to-mid-September return for the 26-year-old.
Aug 9 2015Paxton (finger) threw 25 fastballs during Sunday's bullpen session and indicated afterward that he was experiencing no pain, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.It was Paxton's first mound work since he was removed from a May 28 start against the Indians with a strained middle finger on his throwing hand. Paxton has been slow to recover from the ailment, but remains optimistic that he'll be able to make a few starts for the Mariners before the season draws to a close. The lefty is expected to throw a couple more bullpen sessions before testing out his finger during live batting practice.
Aug 8 2015Paxton (finger) will throw a bullpen session Sunday, the Tacoma News Tribune's Bob Dutton reports.This will mark the first time he will throw on a mound since the injury he suffered May 28. Paxton is no longer throwing with tape on his hand and he says the ball is coming out well from his hand with no pain. Mariners officials said the lefty's slow recovery was due to the injury being in a place that gets limited blood flow. He is projected to throw 20-25 pitches Sunday and will be approximately one month away from returning to game action if he makes it through the bullpen session without any setbacks.
Jul 25 2015Paxton (finger) is "weeks away" from throwing a bullpen session, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.Paxton has reportedly been playing catch, but remains a ways away from getting onto a mound and logging bullpen sessions. At this point, it doesn't appear that Paxton will be back on a big league mound any time before late August as his finger continues to prevent him from ramping up baseball activities.
Jul 19 2015Paxton still has no timetable to return from a strained left middle finger, the team's official site reports.Paxton's progress has slowed considerably because his finger is still sore. Once the soreness dissipates, he'll need at least a month of rehab starts before he returns. Don't expect him before late-August, at the earliest.
Jun 26 2015Paxton (finger) played catch at Safeco field Friday, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.Paxton hadn't really thrown up until this point, but it appears he's in the early stages of his rehab process. It's unclear how quickly he'll progress, but it a return at some point in July seems plausible.
Jun 22 2015Paxton (finger) is yet to begin throwing, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.Paxton began experiencing discomfort in his finger nearly two weeks ago, and he was shut down with the hope that the soreness would subside. That has not yet been the case, so at this point it's unclear when he'll be able to resume his throwing program, putting a timetable for his return to the Mariners up in the air.
Jun 17 2015Paxton is still experiencing discomfort in his finger and will not resume throwing until the soreness subsides, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.Paxton has a strained finger tendon on his pitching hand that continues to bother him three weeks after being placed on the disabled list. Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reported that Paxton believes the soreness will go away in three-to-four days. If all goes well, Paxton could start throwing shortly thereafter.
Jun 15 2015Paxton (finger) has been cleared to begin throwing next week, Shannon Drayer of ESPN 710 AM reports.Paxton strained a tendon in his middle finger and was placed on the DL at the end of May. After roughly three weeks of rest, he'll begin a throwing program next week, though the team is yet to announce a return timetable.
Jun 12 2015Paxton (finger) has not yet been cleared to begin throwing, the Seattle Times' Ryan Divish reports.It does not sound like Paxton is very close to returning to the Mariners' rotation, so an early-July activation might be the best-case scenario at this point. Mike Montgomery, who has pitched well in two starts, figures to stick in the rotation until Paxton or Hisashi Iwakuma come off the DL.
May 29 2015Paxton (finger) was placed on the 15-day DL on Friday with a strained middle finger tendon, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.The injury forced Paxton off the hill Thursday after 4.2 innings and has now sent him to the disabled list. Paxton's teammate, Hisashi Iwakuma, dealt with a similar injury last spring and was shut down from throwing for close to three weeks, though the Mariners haven't said how long Paxton will be out nor have they announced his replacement in the rotation. Mike Montgomery seems like a top candidate.
May 28 2015Paxton was removed from Thursday's start against the Indians due to a left hand injury, Shannon Drayer of 710 AM ESPN Seattle reports.The Mariners' trainer appeared to examining one of the fingers on Paxton's throwing hand, suggesting he may have been bothered by a blister or a broken fingernail. The issue might have had a negative impact on his ability to place pitches, as Paxton was touched up for four runs (three earned) on eight hits, including Brandon Moss homer that represent the first long ball he'd ever surrendered to a left-handed batter. The Mariners should provide more word on the nature of Paxton's injury after the game concludes.
May 28 2015The left hand injury that forced Paxton out of Thursday's start against the Indians in the fifth inning is being labeled as "middle finger discomfort," Christian Caple of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.The Mariners will reevaluate Paxton on Friday before determining if he'll be able to make his next start, tentatively scheduled for June 2 at home against the Yankees. Paxton was trailing at the time of his departure after allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits and a walk over 4.2 innings.
May 23 2015Paxton won his third straight game Saturday, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks over six innings, while striking out four.Paxton has put his poor start to the season behind him nicely, reeling off five straight quality starts and lowering his ERA on the season to 3.52. His control remains hit and miss, and his 41:21 K:BB in 53.2 innings is far from ideal, but the lefty has been able to limit the damage from the free passes. His next start comes at home Thursday against the Indians.
May 17 2015Paxton was excellent against the Red Sox on Sunday, tossing eight innings of shutout ball en route to his second consecutive win.That is 20 innings now since Paxton last allowed a run, and the 26-year-old has lowered his ERA to 3.59 with this string of effective outings after a rough start to the season. He will look to keep it rolling against the Blue Jays on Saturday.
May 6 2015Paxton allowed two runs on four hits and three walks in seven innings Tuesday, striking out four at the Angels.Paxton gave up a two-run homer in the first inning but didn't have much trouble thereafter. He was in line for the win before the bullpen blew it. Paxton worked through mechanical trouble earlier in the season and now has consecutive strong outings.
May 1 2015Paxton went seven strong innings, giving up two runs and five hits while striking out seven and walking two in a no-decision Thursday against the Astros.Paxton pitched seven innings for the first time this season and produced a quality start despite not getting a decision. He's coming off two disastrous starts in a row, so his quality start Thursday is an encouraging sign. Paxton's next scheduled start will be Tuesday against the Angels.
Apr 22 2015Paxton had five earned runs added to his ledger from Sunday after an official scoring change by Major League Baseball, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.Only two of the seven runs against Paxton were initially ruled as earned, but an error on shortstop Willie Bloomquist was changed to a single by the Rangers' Elvis Andrus. As a result, Paxton's ERA ballooned from 5.40 to 8.40 through three starts. The lefty will look to turn things around at home Saturday against the Twins.
Apr 14 2015Paxton earned a no decision Sunday in 6.1 innings of work against the Dodgers, giving up six hits, a home run and five earned runs while striking out six batters.The homer was a solo shot by Yasiel Puig, but the Dodgers were able to find other ways to score on Paxton. Through his first two starts, Paxton has given up two home runs, seven earned runs and three walks.
Apr 8 2015Paxton struck out five and walked one while giving up two runs on four hits over six innings in a loss to the Angels on Tuesday night.All of the damage came on a two-run homer from David Freese in the fourth inning. Paxton threw 52 of his 87 pitches for strikes had a nice outing against a right-handed heavy Angels lineup. As the schedule currently lines up, he'll have a two-start week with turns against the Dodgers (on the road) and the Rangers (at home) next week.
Mar 21 2015Paxton, a left-hander, could fill the No. 2 spot in the rotation this season to break up right-handers Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma, the Seattle Times reports.Pitching as the No. 2 starter rather than No. 3 doesn't really mean much. But if this happens, realize it's not for any reason other than to break up the right-handers. Paxton's start to spring was delayed by a freak wrist injury. He's slated to make his first Cactus League start Sunday. Despite the lack of game action, he is expected to be ready for the start of the season. A groundball pitcher, Paxton has a mid-90s fastball and a plus curve, but improving his control will be key this season after a 3.53 BB/9 in 13 starts last year.
Mar 18 2015Paxton (wrist) will make his spring training debut Sunday, Shannon Drayer of ESPN 710 AM reports.Paxton was initially slated to debut Tuesday, but it was pushed back to Sunday instead. Assuming all goes well, there's a good chance he'll be able to make a start in the first turn of the rotation.
Mar 17 2015Paxton (wrist) threw three innings (approximately 40 pitches) in a sim game against minor league hitters Tuesday, MLB.com's Chad Thornburg reports.Paxton expects to pitch again in five days, and says he will "absolutely" be ready to break camp as part of the Mariners' rotation. He threw curveballs and cutters for strikes and was able to move his fastball around a bit Tuesday.
Mar 14 2015Paxton (wrist) will not make his Cactus League debut Mar. 17 and will instead pitch a simulated game Tuesday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.Paxton was originally slated to make his spring debut Tuesday against the White Sox, but it appears the team would like to see him throw again before he returns to game action. He's schedule to throw around 45 pitches in the sim game, and if all goes well he should make his first Cactus League appearance shortly after that.
Mar 7 2015Paxton (wrist) is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut March 17 against the White Sox, Ryan Divish of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.Paxton returned to a mound Friday, logging his first bullpen session since he fell and hurt his wrists doing agility drills in the initial days of spring training. The Mariners were reportedly very pleased with how it went, and the lefty will now toss another bullpen and a live batting practice session before getting into game action. This sets him up to make four spring starts in anticipation of the start of the season.
Mar 6 2015Paxton reported no problems after throwing a 30-pitch bullpen session Friday in his first mound work since injuring his right forearm in a fall during pre-camp drills, the Tacoma News Tribune reports.Paxton took a tumble in an agility drill and braced his fall with both arms, resulting in wrist and forearm soreness. He's been out about 10 days but was never in danger of not being ready for the start of the season. He is tentatively scheduled for one more bullpen workout before shifting to live batting practice in preparation for his spring debut. "Feels great," Paxton said. "All fastballs. Next time, I'll start working in my other pitches."
Mar 2 2015Paxton (wrist) will return to the field for long toss Monday and will throw from the mound on Tuesday, 710 ESPN's Shannon Drayer reports.He is working his way back from minor injuries to both wrists after an awkward fall during agility drills last week. Paxton's status is not believed to be in doubt for the start of the season, but his fantasy owners should monitor his progress closely this spring.
Feb 24 2015Paxton (wrist) is expected to resume full throwing workouts early next week, Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.Paxton hurt both of his wrists while taking a spill during agility drills over the weekend, but it doesn't look like anything more than a minor setback. He still figures to open the season as Seattle's No. 3 or 4 starter.
Feb 23 2015Updating a previous report, Paxton hurt both of his wrists when he fell doing agility drills last week and has yet to throw a bullpen session, MLB.com's Greg Johns reports.He apparently lobbied to throw but the Mariners are being extra cautious with him given how early it is in camp. Owners and prospective owners may want to check back on his status in a week or so, but it does not sound like anything too serious, and he should still be a part of the Mariners' rotation when the season starts.
Feb 23 2015Paxton didn't work out Monday after landing weirdly on his right forearm Sunday, Jon Morosi of Fox Sports reports.Paxton's injury doesn't appear to be major on the surface, but any injury dealing with the forearm of the pitching hand is concerning. More information on the situation should be made available in the coming days, especially if it turns out to be something more than a minor injury.
Feb 7 2015Paxton appears to be locked into a rotation spot for the Mariners as spring training approaches, the team's official site reports.Paxton and J.A. Happ are considered to be the third and fourth starters at this point, while a spring competition between Taijuan Walker, Roenis Elias, and Erasmo Ramirez will be used to fill the fifth and final spot. Paxton pitched to a 3.04 ERA with a 59:29 K:BB over 74 innings in 13 starts for Seattle last season.
Sep 22 2014Paxton was hammered in a loss Monday against the Blue Jays as he pitched 2.2 innings and allowed nine runs (eight earned), seven hits and six walks to go along with one strikeout.The Blue Jays exploded for 14 runs overall Monday as Paxton gave up the majority of them. Even with this terrible performance, he has been solid overall as he has a 3.03 ERA and 1.20 WHIP.
Sep 18 2014Paxton gave up three runs on four hits while striking out eight and walking one Wednesday in a loss to the Angels.It was a tough loss for Paxton, who was dealing through six innings before running into trouble in the seventh. The left-hander was pulled from the game with two out and two runners on base. Reliever Danny Farquhar subsequently coughed up a three run homer, two of which belonged to Paxton. Not that it mattered since the Mariners were held scoreless by Angels starter C.J. Wilson. The 25-year-old will toe the rubber in Toronto on Monday.
Sep 12 2014Paxton battled control problems Friday but allowed just two runs -- one earned -- on four hits and three walks in six innings against the A's for his sixth win of the season. He struck out eight.Paxton burned through 102 pitches, just 57 for strikes, and threw only 12 first-pitch strikes to 27 batters. Nevertheless he worked out of jams to stymie the A's. His walks all came in the third inning, but he allowed only one to score. In 10 starts this season, Paxton has allowed more than two earned runs only once. Since coming off the DL in early August, Paxton has a 1.72 ERA in eight starts, but his K:BB is 33:17 in that span.
Sep 7 2014Paxton allowed one run on five hits and two walks while striking out three in six innings in the Mariners' 1-0 loss to the Rangers on Sunday.Paxton has allowed two or fewer earned runs in seven straight outings. However, he's just 3-2 in that stretch. Since coming back from the DL on Aug. 2, Paxton has allowed just eight runs.
Sep 3 2014Paxton pitched 7.2 innings Tuesday against the A's, allowing just two runs on four hits and three walks, while striking out two to earn his fifth win of the year.Paxton has been on quite a roll since his activation off the DL in early August and has yet to allow more three earned in a start for Seattle this season. Through eight outings this year, Paxton now owns a fabulous 1.91 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 35:14 K:BB ratio in 47 innings. His next start is set for Sunday on the road against the Rangers.
Sep 1 2014Paxton will be recalled in order to start Tuesday in Oakland, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.Paxton has given up no more than one run in each of his last four starts, a span in which he's notched a 2-1 record, 1.17 ERA, 1.217 WHIP, and 15:6 K:BB in 23 innings. Considering the results, he's a decent streaming option in the cozy confines of O.co Coliseum.
Aug 27 2014Paxton (4-1) was sound in Tuesday's outing against the Rangers, shutting out the opposition for 6.2 innings. He gave up four hits, walked three and struck out four while picking up the victory.Paxton bounced back from his four-inning debacle last Wednesday vs. the Phillies quite gracefully, racking up a career-high 118 pitches. The 25-year-old indicated after the game that he's starting to feel more comfortable with each successive start, as he recovers from a strained back muscle that caused him to miss most of the first four months of the season. Even with the presumptive rust he's experienced while returning from injury, Paxton still has a 1.71 ERA for his MLB career, the best mark for a pitcher in his first 11 starts since 1990.
Aug 27 2014Paxton was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.The 25-year-old lefty has made five starts since his activation from the DL on Aug. 2, posting a 2-1 record, 1.65 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 20:9 K:BB in 27.1 innings. Considering the results, expect him to return to the majors once rosters expand in September.
Aug 20 2014Paxton lasted just four innings Wednesday against Philadelphia, surrendering four runs (one earned) on seven hits and two walks while striking out five.Paxton labored through the four innings, needed 88 pitches to do so. Despite the brief outing Wednesday, Paxton has allowed just five earned runs in his first four starts returning from the disabled list.
Aug 15 2014Paxton pitched six innings of one-run ball Friday, allowing five hits and one walk with two strikeouts in a win at Detroit.Paxton won his sixth consecutive decision to start his career, improving to 3-0 this season. He struggled with control of his offspeed pitches early, which caused a high pitch count (99). His fastball, though, was consistently in the mid-to-high 90s, and he got 10 groundball outs. In three starts since coming off the DL, Paxton has allowed four runs in 16.2 innings (2.16 ERA).
Aug 9 2014Paxton turned in a strong performance on Saturday night, allowing just one run on six hits over 6.1 innings. He did not walk a batter, and struck out four, coming away with a no-decision in the extra-innings affair.It was his second start back after missing three months, and he looked sharper in this one. He threw just 77 pitches, but 56 were for strikes, and he was generally locating his pitches well. The Mariners will probably continue to monitor his workload/pitch count, and he faces a tough assignment against the Tigers in Detroit next time out, but he is quickly reestablishing himself as a strong fantasy play.
Aug 3 2014Paxton (back) struck out five and walked three while giving up two runs on four hits over 4.1 innings Saturday in his return from the disabled list.The start was his first in more than three months, so the rust should come as little surprise. The Mariners removed Paxton after 83 pitches, but received 3.2 scoreless innings from their bridge to closer Fernando Rodney. Paxton's next turn in the rotation is scheduled for Friday at Safeco Field against the White Sox.
Aug 2 2014Paxton (back) was activated from the DL and will start Saturday against the Orioles, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.This has been in the works for a while, but the Mariners have officially activated Paxton, who will take the roster spot of Corey Hart (knee). Paxton will oppose Miguel Gonzalez in his first start for the big club since April 8, following a lengthy battle with back issues, and he should stick in the rotation so long as he performs even adequately.
Jul 31 2014Paxton will start Saturday's game in Baltimore, the Tacoma News Tribune's Bob Dutton reports.As expected, Paxton will make his first appearance in the majors since April 8. He draws a tough opponent at a hitter-friendly stadium, but his skill-set is intriguing, and he'll call Safeco Field his home. Having thrown 78 pitches in his third and final rehab start Sunday, Paxton could perhaps near the 100-pitch threshold Saturday in Baltimore.
Jul 30 2014Paxton (back) was upbeat after completing his bullpen session Wednesday, and is the likely starter for Saturday's game in Baltimore, the Tacoma News Tribune's Bob Dutton reports.The Mariners have yet to name Saturday's starter, but all signs point to Paxton after he emerged feeling great after Wednesday's session. He last pitched for the Mariners on April 8, and has a 2.25 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 12 innings on the season, making him worth a flier in 12-team leagues.
Jul 29 2014Paxton (back) will throw a bullpen session Wednesday in Cleveland and is "a possibility" to start Saturday's game against the Orioles, MLB.com reports.Paxton threw 78 pitches in his third rehab start Sunday and appears very close to making his return to Seattle. Assuming Wednesday's session goes well, he's a distinct possibility to fill the open spot in the rotation Saturday. Shut down since May, Paxton has thrown only 12.0 innings in the majors this season.
Jul 28 2014Paxton's (back) rehab start went well on Sunday and he could join the rotation again on Saturday, The Seattle Times reports.Paxton threw 78 pitches in his third rehab start and got the opportunity to face 20 batters. He tossed first pitch strikes to 11 of those 20 batters and was executing his pitches very well, tossing his fastball in the mid 90's and his cutter in the upper 80's. Paxton's return could allow a decent late season pick up for starting rotations despite him having had just two starts and 12 innings pitched on the year.
Jul 27 2014Paxton (back) could rejoin the Mariners rotation Saturday if he rehab start Sunday goes well, MLB.com's Greg Johns reports.Paxton has just two starts under his belt this season from back in April, but the left-hander appears close to a return. He'll throw 75-80 pitches Sunday afternoon, and barring any setbacks, he could be in line to start as early as Saturday against the Orioles. The 25-year-old could be a sneaky pickup for fantasy owners in need of late-season pitching help.
Jul 26 2014Paxton (back) is expected to throw 75-80 pitches in his rehab start for Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday, and he will then accompany the big-league club on its road trip next week, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.The 25-year-old's back didn't present any issues in his first start for Tacoma on Tuesday, and thus the training staff cleared him to increase his workload to 80 or so pitches Sunday. Nothing's official, but the fact that Paxton will travel with the team next week suggests his next outing could very well come with the major league club. On regular rest, Paxton would be lined up to start next Friday's series opener in Baltimore.
Jul 23 2014Paxton (back) is slated to pitch another rehab start Sunday at Triple-A Tacoma, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.Paxton reported that he emerged OK from a three-inning appearance at the affiliate Tuesday, during which he allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits and one walk to go with four strikeouts in three frames. As he embarks on the final stages of his recovery from an inflamed left shoulder, a number of moving parts must line up correctly for him to land in the Mariners' rotation. However, a spot start is all but assured at some point before season's end.
Jul 22 2014Manager Lloyd McClendon said that Paxton (back) would require at least one more start at Triple-A Tacoma after Tuesday's outing, MLB.com's Greg Johns reports.After missing over three months with the back ailment, Paxton will be brought along slowly before the Mariners feel comfortable bringing him back into the rotation. Once he's deemed healthy, Paxton will have to outperform either Erasmo Ramirez or Taijuan Walker for the No. 5 gig in the rotation, though further spots could open if Roenis Elias and Chris Young regress in their turns to come.
Jul 20 2014Paxton (back) is expected to return to the Mariners within the next two weeks, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.Paxton came through Thursday's rehab outing at short-season Everett feeling pain-free and will now progress to Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday, where he'll be held to a roughly 60-pitch count. The Mariners are tentatively planning to have Paxton increase that count to 75 in his start at Tacoma to follow, which is projected for July 27. If all goes smoothly during his next two outings, Paxton would get the call to rejoin the rotation in early August, though it's unclear at this time whom he might replace.
Jul 19 2014Paxton (back) had a bullpen session Saturday and said he is feeling no soreness following his first rehab appearance, according to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times.Paxton allowed two runs in 2.2 innings during his rehab start Thursday, but the important thing is he is pitching again and seems to be pain free. Paxton's next rehab start is slated for Tuesday.
Jul 18 2014Paxton (back) will make his next rehab start Tuesday for Triple-A Tacoma, the Tacoma News Tribune's Bob Dutton reports.The Mariners will bring Paxton to Anaheim so that he can throw a bullpen with the team on Saturday, but then he'll head out with Tacoma for his next rehab start. His progress coming back from this injury has been excruciatingly slow, so it would be silly to say a return to the Mariners is imminent, but it certainly looks that way.
Jul 17 2014Paxton (back) is slated to throw three innings in his rehab start for short-season Everett on Thursday, the Everett Herald reports.Originally sidelined by a strained lat muscle in early April, Paxton developed stiffness in his triceps after a rehab start for Triple-A Tacoma in late May, which forced the Mariners to shut the left-hander back down. He's finally been cleared to pitch in a game following a successful 53-pitch simulated outing Saturday, and if all goes well in his start for Everett on Thursday, he'll return to Tacoma to complete his rehab.
Jul 13 2014Paxton (back) played catch Sunday without any issues, the Tacoma News Tribune reports.It's another sign of progress for Paxton, who threw a 53-pitch simulated game Saturday. His next step is to make a rehab start at short-season Everett on Thursday.
Jul 12 2014Paxton (back) threw a bullpen session Saturday, which precedes a rehab assignment this coming week at short-season Everett, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.Paxton managed two simulated games during the week, making an assignment the logical next step in his recovery from inflammation in his left shoulder. He seems poised to make his first appearance in the majors since Apr. 8.
Jul 8 2014Paxton (back) threw 32 pitches in two simulated innings Tuesday, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.With Paxton experiencing no problems in Tuesday's outing, the Mariners have gone ahead and penciled him in for another simulated game Friday. That may very well be his final step before embarking on a rehab assignment, and if so, Paxton will on track to return relatively soon after the All-Star break. A fourth-round pick in 2010, Paxton has posted a 1.75 ERA through six career starts at the major league level.
Jul 4 2014Paxton (back) has been cleared to throw a simulated game Monday, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.Paxton apparently made it through Friday's bullpen session with no aggravation and will rest over the remainder of the weekend before facing hitters. If everything goes well with the simulated game, Paxton could head out on a minor league rehab assignment while the Mariners are on their All-Star break.
Jul 2 2014Paxton (back), who threw off flat ground Wednesday, will toss a bullpen session Friday and should attempt a simulated game next week, Shannon Drayer of 710 AM ESPN Seattle reports.Paxton threw off a mound last Friday, his first such session in a month, after his initial assignment was shut down due to an inflamed shoulder. It's unclear when he'll embark upon another rehab assignment, but he still has a long road to recovery.
Jun 27 2014Paxton (back) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Friday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.The left-hander has finally returned to a mound following his late-May setback -- he developed shoulder inflammation while rehabbing a back injury -- and now plans to throw another bullpen session in about three days. Paxton made one just rehab start before being pulled off his first assignment, and he'll likely need a lengthy stint in the minors when he is cleared to head back out for active competition.
Jun 23 2014Paxton (back) is slated to toss 20-to-25 pitches during a bullpen session Friday, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.If he throws off a mound Friday, it would mark exactly a month since Paxton's rehab assignment was shut down as a result of an inflamed left shoulder. As of Monday, he's been building up his arm strength by playing catch, but mound work would signify an important step in his recovery. Nonetheless, 2-to-3 weeks remain before he's expected to return to full health.
Jun 19 2014Paxton (back) could be ready to resume throwing bullpen sessions early next week, Shannon Drayer of 710 AM ESPN Seattle reports.Paxton has been playing catch for the last several days and appears to be making enough progress to take another step forward in his rehab. The Mariners previously indicated Monday that Walker would be need three-to-four weeks to get back to full health, so he still has a ways to go before a return from the 60-day DL would be considered.
Jun 16 2014Paxton (back) will require 3-to-4 weeks before he achieves full health, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma New Tribune reports.Paxton progressed to throwing up to 90 feet Saturday, which he undertook for eight minutes. With a timetable now evident, he appears poised for a return to pitching around the All-Star break. However, whether or not it's as a member of the Mariners remains to be seen.
Jun 14 2014Paxton (back) played catch for eight minutes Saturday, throwing from up to 90 feet, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.A welcome sign of progress for both the Mariners and fantasy owners, but Paxton remains without a timetable, after suffering a setback in late May. Speaking earlier in the week, Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said Paxton will not be throwing off a mound anytime soon. The 25-year-old southpaw will likely need at least a week or two to strengthen his arm before throwing from a mound even becomes a consideration.
Jun 10 2014Paxton (back) has been playing catch, but won't be throwing off a mound anytime soon, according to manager Lloyd McClendon, the Tacoma News Tribune's Bob Dutton reports.There remains no timetable for his return after he suffered a setback May 24. If it is indeed some time before he throws off a mound, a mid-summer activation seems viable.
Jun 9 2014Paxton (back) was transferred to the 60-day DL Monday, MLB.com's Greg Johns reports.Paxton has already been on the DL for more than 60 days, so he can be added to the Mariners' active roster as soon as he's fully healthy. He's expected to start throwing again Monday after suffering a setback on May 24, but doesn't currently have a timetable for a return. This roster move was merely a formality, as Seattle needed to clear space on the 40-man roster for Ji-Man Choi, who was activated from the restricted list Monday.
Jun 6 2014Paxton (back) will start throwing again Monday, MLB.com's Shannon Drayer reports.He will play catch for the first time since he experienced a setback in a rehab start on May 24. It's not clear exactly what his timetable is to return to game action, but the Mariners will likely take it slow with Paxton after has last setback.
Jun 4 2014Manager Lloyd McClendon noted that Paxton (back) is progressing from his injury, but has not yet resumed throwing, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.Paxton was shut down after developing left shoulder inflammation a week ago, but the team has yet to issue an expected timetable for when he might resume throwing. Once he is cleared to begin pitching, Paxton will probably need to complete several bullpen sessions and face hitters before resuming his rehab assignment at Triple-A Tacoma. At this point, it's looking like Paxton won't be activated from the disabled list until late-June.
May 27 2014Paxton has inflammation in his left shoulder and will be shut down until it clears up, MLB.com's Greg Johns reports.The team is hoping Paxton will only be shut down for 5-7 days, but it's impossible to tell how long he'll need to rest before resuming throwing. Nonetheless, it seems unlikely that he rejoins the Mariners' starting rotation before mid-to-late June at the earliest.
May 27 2014Paxton said he still has soreness in his triceps from Saturday's rehab start, and will meet with the team doctor to make sure everything is OK, the Seattle Times' Ryan Divish reports.He was supposed to throw Tuesday, albeit not in a bullpen session, but with his triceps still ailing, everything is on hold until he meets with a doctor. Once he meets with a doctor Tuesday evening, the team will determine when he should throw next, but it's been a little worrisome that he continues to have setbacks. We'll continue to monitor his status, but things seem to be in a holding pattern right now with his recovery.
May 26 2014Paxton (back) won't pitch a full bullpen session Tuesday, but is expected to play catch, MLB.com's Greg Johns reports.The Mariners are taking it slow with Paxton after he experienced soreness following Saturday's rehab start. It's hard to say when he'll be ready to rejoin the Mariners' rotation, but we should hear Tuesday how he feels after playing catch.
May 26 2014Paxton (back) is unlikely to throw his scheduled bullpen session Monday due to triceps tightness, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.The Mariners previously indicated that they would take things easy with Paxton if he felt anything unusual after making his first minor league rehab start Saturday. It remains to be seen how much his inability to go through a side session Monday will set him back in his bid to return to the Mariners' rotation.
May 25 2014Paxton threw 62 pitches (38 strikes) over three innings at Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday.Paxton was set to work all the way up to 75 pitches in the outing, but he had reached the limit by throwing a short bullpen session before making the start. Although Paxton was understandably not at his sharpest while pitching in a game for the first time since April 8, he appears to be nearing 100 percent health and may only need one or two more appearances in the minors to regain his timing and pitch location.
May 23 2014Paxton (back) will begin a minor league rehab assignment at Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday.There was previously some confusion as to when the rehab assignment would begin. Paxton threw 53 pitches in a simulated game Tuesday, so the Mariners may elect to give him two rehab starts to get him back in the 90-100 pitch range before activation. An official plan will likely be mapped out following the conclusion of Paxton's start Saturday.
May 21 2014Paxton (back) is slated to throw a bullpen session Thursday, and if he emerges unscathed, he'll likely start a rehab assignment Sunday at Triple-A Tacoma, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.After throwing 53 pitches in a simulated game Tuesday, Paxton was correct in his assumption that a rehab start was near. However, in order to effectively transition into the Mariners' rotation, he'll have to increase his pitch count, which likely equates to a handful of outings before he's cleared for major league hitters.
May 20 2014Paxton (back) tossed a 53-pitch simulated game Tuesday, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports. Afterward, he said, "I feel pretty close. I think the next step after this is a rehab start. I feel like I'm ready for it."If a rehab appearance is imminent, Paxton's stay on the DL is seemingly drawing to a close, but his pitch count must be expanded in order to consider him a viable candidate for activation. Once healthy, he'll usurp the rotation spot of either Brandon Maurer or Chris Young.
May 18 2014Paxton (back) threw a successful 36-pitch simulated game Saturday, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.Paxton said he was comfortable with how he felt during the outing, and will now attempt to throw a longer simulated game his next time out, likely Tuesday in Texas. Once healthy, Paxton will either take Brandon Maurer's or Chris Young's spot in the rotation.
May 14 2014Paxton (back) completed a 52-pitch bullpen session Wednesday in which he "threw everything," Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.Paxton is in the midst of his recovery from a strained back and will continue to build his pitch count in the coming weeks. Still, a rehab assignment remains in his future, which will likely delay his activation from the DL until June.
May 11 2014Paxton (back) is scheduled to throw a 55-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.Paxton completed bullpen sessions Friday and Sunday without any apparent complications and is poised to increase his pitch count in the coming week, after which he may be cleared to face hitters. GM Jack Zduriencik indicated earlier this month that he anticipates Paxton and fellow injured starter Taijuan Walker will be back by June.
May 9 2014Paxton (back) came away from Friday's bullpen session with positive results, reports Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune.Paxton stated that he "felt awesome" after his 25-pitch bullpen workout Friday. The young southpaw has not pitched since April 8, but is now likely less than a month away from returning to the Mariners' rotation.
May 8 2014The Mariners have not shared an expected timetable for Paxton's (back) return, according to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. In a recent interview on MLB Network Radio, Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said he expects the team to get all of their pitching back by June.Much like teammate Taijuan Walker, the Mariners have been quiet about Paxton's workouts. He tested the injury by throwing in late April, but the details since that time have been sparse. If Paxton doesn't begin working his way through a minor league rehab soon, Zduriencik's timetable is unlikely to hold up for the 25-year-old left-hander.
May 8 2014Paxton (back) is scheduled for a bullpen workout Friday, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.Paxton was cleared to resume throwing a little over two weeks ago, but he still hasn't faced batters, and the Mariners haven't mentioned a timetable. GM Jack Zduriencik did recently say that the M's expect to have all of their pitching back by June, indicating that Paxton could return in late May or early June.
Apr 25 2014Paxton tested his strained back muscle by throwing for five minutes from 45 feet Friday, the Tacoma News Tribune reports.The quick session went well, and he expects to throw again Saturday, so it sounds like he remains on track to return to the mound for the Mariners in mid-May.
Apr 23 2014Paxton (back) has been cleared to resume throwing Friday, Shannon Drayer of 710 AM ESPN Seattle reports.After receiving positive word following his examination Wednesday, Paxton will be able to proceed with the initial stages of his rehab. For the time being, Paxton remains on the six-to-eight week timetable established when he first went on the DL back on Apr. 9. Fantasy owners should tentatively prepare to have him back at some point in late May or early June.
Apr 21 2014Paxton (back) will be examined by the team doctor Wednesday, after which he could be cleared to throw, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.There are seemingly mixed signals between manager and player. While Lloyd McClendon relayed Monday that Paxton remains on his initial 6-to-8 week timetable, Paxton revealed that he "feels great" and is hopeful that he'll be able to throw soon. Until the situation has been clarified, his return is undetermined.
Apr 21 2014Paxton (back) has yet to begin throwing, and manager Lloyd McClendon stated that Paxton likely remains on his initial 6-to-8 week timetable, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.Paxton posted two fine outings prior to coming down with a strained left lat on Apr. 8, recording two wins, including one quality start, with a 2.25 ERA, 0.667 WHIP, and 13:2 K:BB in 12 frames. Because he isn't close to throwing, he's unlikely to be available to the Mariners' rotation until the latter half of May.
Apr 11 2014Paxton (back) is unlikely to throw for another week, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.Even with the delay, Paxton could still possibly return from the DL when eligible Apr. 25, if all goes well with his strained back once he starts throwing again. The young hurler has been impressive through two turns this season, racking up 13 strikeouts over 12 innings and allowing three runs.
Apr 9 2014Paxton (back) is likely headed for the DL, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.While manager Lloyd McClendon said he's still waiting on official word from the training staff, he said it's "highly unlikely" Paxton makes his scheduled start Sunday, and that Paxton will "most likely" require a DL stint. The 25-year-old left his start Tuesday in the sixth inning with a lat strain, and with Hisashi Iwakuma (finger) and Taijuan Walker (shoulder) still out, the M's will have to bide their time with a makeshift rotation.
Apr 9 2014Paxton (back) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.Manager Lloyd McClendon had suggested Paxton was likely DL-bound, after the left-hander was forced from Tuesday's start with a lat strain, but the team officially deactivated Paxton and brought up Lucas Luetge prior to Wednesday's game. Paxton will be eligible to come off the DL on April 25, but it's far too early to tell whether he'll be ready at that time.
Apr 8 2014Paxton came away with the win Tuesday, tossing five innings of four-hit ball while striking out four and walking none. Two of the four hits, however, were first-inning home runs to Albert Pujols and David Freese.Paxton was victimized by the heart of the Angels' order in the first inning of the season at Safeco Field, but managed to stop the bleeding early enough to allow his offense to pull out the win in the Mariners' home opener. The Canadian lefty retired 14 batters in a row before giving up a hit in the sixth, then was forced to leave with a left lat strain. Paxton is now 2-0 on the season with a 2.25 ERA and 0.67 WHIP but his next start could be in jeopardy depending on the severity of his injury. More to come.
Apr 8 2014Paxton left Tuesday's start after one batter in the sixth inning with a left lat strain, according to the Mariners broadcast.Paxton gave up three runs on two homers in the first inning but then settled down and cruised through the next four innings, retiring 14 consecutive batters. After a leadoff single in the sixth and the one pitch to the next batter, Paxton called out the trainer. He struck out four, walked none and gave uo four hits.
Apr 2 2014Paxton threw seven shutout innings in an outstanding season debut Wednesday, giving up just two hits and two walks with nine strikeouts against the Angels.Paxton had excellent command, pitching in and out and changing eye levels. He pitched in the mid-90s, still hitting 96 in his final frame, and mixed in his 12-6 curveball effectively. He dominated.
Mar 29 2014Paxton, as expected, was named to the third spot in the rotation Friday, the Tacoma News Tribune reports.Paxton looked strong in a September callup last season and had a good spring, too. A long-time prospect in the organization, he finally looks ready for the big leagues. With Hisahsi Iwakuma and Taijuan Walker expected to return from injuries in a month or so, Paxton will have to pitch well to keep his job. It would be surprising if he was bumped for either Roenis Elias or Chris Young, but it is still important for him to get off to a good start. Keep an eye on his development, as his high upside offers plenty of sleeper value.
Mar 21 2014Paxton likely has locked up a spot in the rotation, the Seattle Times reports.Paxton is flying under the radar this spring, but he has a 2.08 ERA in 13 spring innings. He's struck out eight and walked one. With Hisashi Iwakuma and Taijuan Walker battling injuries, Paxton is all but guaranteed a rotation spot. Even when those two return, Paxton likely will remain in the rotation. The left-hander pitched well in a four-start callup last season. He's been a top prospect in the organization the last few years, and now it looks like his time has finally come.
Sep 26 2013Paxton will not make his scheduled start on Sunday, Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times reports.Paxton doesn't have any major injury concern; rather, it appears the Mariners are simply looking to limit his innings after he threw 145.2 for Triple-A Tacoma and another 24 with the big club. Those in daily leagues should note that Erasmo Ramirez will be taking his spot in the rotation, but the matchup against the Athletics isn't favorable for either pitcher.
Sep 24 2013Paxton tossed a gem Tuesday night when he pitched seven scoreless innings and allowed just four hits with no walks and 10 strikeouts against the Royals.Paxton's fourth major league start was undoubtedly his best as he helped spoil the Royals playoff hopes with a dazzling performance. He threw 97 pitches (65 strikes) and induced eight ground ball outs. Not once did he appear to be in any sort of trouble and not once did the Royals look like they had him figured out at all. It's a nice confidence-booster for the 24-year old southpaw and he'll look to repeat this performance when he gets a chance to compete for a rotation spot in 2014.
Sep 19 2013Paxton struggled through five innings in Thursday's loss to the Tigers, giving up five hits, four walks and three runs, though he avoided a decision.Things didn't go nearly so well for him in this one as they did in his first two starts, and some struggles are to be expected as the league gets a look at the 24-year-old lefty. His long-term upside remains high, however.
Sep 14 2013Paxton tossed six scoreless innings Saturday against the Cardinals and was the winning pitcher.He gave up just two hits while walking two and striking out five. To go on the road and shutout the Cardinals in only his second career start is extremely impressive and is a very encouraging sign for the Mariners moving forward with Paxton. Over his two starts, which have spanned over 12 innings, he has allowed just one earned run while recording eight strikeouts.
Sep 3 2013Paxton will join the Mariners' starting rotation as the team goes to a six-man alignment, 710 ESPN's Shannon Drayer reports.Paxton's first major-league start is scheduled for Saturday against the Rays. He's one of the Mariners' top pitching prospects, despite owning a mediocre 4.45 ERA with Triple-A Tacoma this season.
Jun 29 2013Paxton was tagged for seven runs on 10 hits -- including a pair of homers -- in his start against Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday night.After earning Pitcher of the Week honors in the Pacific Coast League for his impressive two-start performance one week prior, Paxton was pounded by the 51s on Friday. Three of his last five starts have come against Las Vegas, and those outings have resulted in 17 earned runs with a 12:8 K:BB ratio over 13.2 frames. Paxton has continued to miss bats at a steady clip all year with Tacoma (81 strikeouts in 77.1 innings), but right-handed hitters are squaring him up often (26.0 percent line drive rate) and hitting fewer groundballs than lefties (17.8 percent LD, 60.0 percent GB) to this point.
Mar 14 2013Paxton was sent to minor-league camp Thursday, the Tacoma News Tribune's Ryan Divish reports.No surprise here, as Triple-A Tacoma's starting rotation looked like Paxton's most likely destination all along. If he shows well in the minors, he could be back up with the Mariners before long.
Mar 2 2013Paxton struggled with his control Friday in his first spring start, giving up a two-run homer in the first inning, the Seattle Times reports.Paxton walked three and struck out none in his two innings. He's in the mix for the fifth starter's spot. More likely, though, he'll wind up in Triple-A. A knee injury set him back last season, but once healthy, he posted quality numbers at Double-A Jackson. Watch his progress this spring, as he could find himself in Seattle at some point this season.