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Seattle Mariners: How long will James Paxton be absent?

By Paul Taylor

Apr 15, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton celebrates striking out the side against the Texas Rangers during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton celebrates striking out the side against the Texas Rangers during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Seattle Mariners have suffered another injury blow to their rotation, with James Paxton set to miss at least two starts.

People can criticize the Seattle Mariners‘ start to the 2017 campaign all they want. However, you can argue they’re not even catching a break.

This is especially the case with the rotation. Drew Smyly went to the disabled list before the season even started, and was recently joined by Felix Hernandez.

Now you can add James Paxton to the casualty list. As reported by Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, Paxton has been placed on the 10-day disabled list with a left forearm strain.

The move was made retroactive to May 3. They question is, how long will the 28-year old be out for?

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According to Greg Johns of MLB.com, Mariners’ manager Scott Servais says Paxton will miss at least two starts. However, Servais does not expect the pitcher to miss much more time than that, with the injury being categorized as a Grade 1 strain, which is not too serious.

Of course, Mariners’ fans won’t be taking anything for granted, with how the season has gone so far. Regardless, missing Paxton for any period of time is a blow to the team.

After flashing his potential during his first few seasons in the Majors, the Richmond, British Columbia native has finally started to show more consistency. In fact, he’s been outstanding as the Mariners’ best pitcher so far this season, leading the rotation in ERA (1.43), innings (37.2), strikeouts (45) and WHIP (0.98).

As you’d expect, Paxton is frustrated by this recent turn of events. Speaking to Divish and other members of the media, he said:

"“It sucks. Not what I wanted to happen, obviously. It’s one of those things that happens I guess. Luckily it’s a minor thing. It’s not going to be a long stint here. I’m hoping it will just be a couple of starts. I think three at the most that I will miss and I will be back.”"

The 2010 fourth round draft pick apparently first encountered problems with his forearm, during a April 26 start against the Detroit Tigers. The discomfort was still there in his May 2 appearance versus the Angels, hence the decision to place him on the DL.

Looking at the positive side, at least an MRI revealed there was no other structural damage. As such, it’s now just a case of the Mariners’ hoping Paxton can return sooner than later.

Next: Is Scott Servais part of the problem?

All things considered, the Mariners have done well to remain competitive in the face of so many key injuries. Do you expect them to stay within realistic reach of a playoff spot until Paxton, Hernandez and Smyly return?  Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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