Paxton Returns

A high priced and talented player in any sport goes the “extra mile” for the club when asked and the 28 year-old Mariners pitcher James Paxton is no different in the opening month of the season.

He posted a record of 3-0 with an ERA of 1.43 managing 45 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings played and was eventually put on the 10-day disabled list May 2nd after a start against the LA Angels due to a left forearm strain.

He (Paxton) mentioned that he first felt forearm discomfort after his start April 26 at Detroit, when he threw seven shutout innings.

He mentioned that he attributed the discomfort to normal soreness, but the feeling he had pitching against the Angels last Tuesday was different, at which point he alerted the Mariners medical staff.

Paxton had an MRI that revealed the Grade 1 strain. Dipoto said he believed the Mariners were fortunate to catch the injury before it got any worse.

It’s reported that the injury is only minor and with Paxton being the third pitcher from the overall projected rotation at the start of the season, it’s a blow to him and the organization.

In his four of six starts he has yet to give up an earned run managing 45 strikeouts that were listed as being third in the American League.

With him on the DL he joins Drew Smyly who is listed to be on a 60-day DL as well as Felix Hernandez who is on a 10-day DL.

In addition the Mariners recalled RHP Ryne Harper from the Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday and optioned Saturday’s starter RHP Rob Whalen to Tacoma.

In his Mariners debut he (Whalen) allowed five runs in 5 1/3 innings against the the Red Sox.

The Mariners return home to face Colorado May 31st with the first pitch set for 7:10 pm.