Mariners: Right Decision With James Paxton Despite Postseason Challenge

While the Seattle Mariners may be involved in a hotly-contested race for a postseason spot, they still did the right thing in sending James Paxton to the disabled list.

These are exciting times for the Seattle Mariners, who find themselves in an unlikely challenge for a postseason spot, spurred on by a 11-2 record in their last 13 games. While a lot of things still need to go right, fans are hoping this is the year their beloved team finally ends what is currently the longest playoff drought in the league.

With this in mind, you imagine there were a lot of conversations surrounding what to do with James Paxton. The 27-year-old has not pitched since being hit on the left elbow by a comebacker during his last start on August 7.

Paxton took part in a bullpen session on Saturday and insisted he felt good. Regardless, the Mariners have made the smart decision, placing him on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to August 8.

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Understandably, there will be a lot of angst among Mariners fans, with the British Columbia, Canada native evolving into a key part of the rotation this year. He has been particularly good of late, contributing significantly towards Seattle’s postseason push.

However, forearm soreness is not something to be taken lightly. Despite Paxton’s eagerness to pitch, manager Scott Servais deserves credit for putting his pitcher’s health ahead of the team’s needs.

Speaking to The News Tribunes‘ Bob Dutton and the rest of the media, Servais said: “There are still concerns – he feels a little tightness in his forearm.

“He got smoked the other day. We’re going to do the right thing and give him a little more time.”

With Paxton scratched from his start on Tuesday night, his place on the mound will be taken by Ariel Miranda. The 27-year old allowed two runs and eight hits over six innings in his last start, a no-decision against the Boston Red Sox.

At this stage, no decision has been made yet about who will start against the Angels on Wednesday. Of more importance though, the Mariners and their fans will be hoping Paxton’s absence is only short-term.

Next: Player profile for Guillermo Heredia

What’s your take on the Mariners’ decision to send Paxton to the DL? Are you on board with it, or do you think they can ill afford to miss any starts from him at this stage of the season? Let us know in the comments section below.