Seattle Mariners: James Paxton set to return before end of May
By Paul Taylor
The Seattle Mariners have received some great news in respect of James Paxton, as he is tentatively scheduled to be back in the rotation before the end of May.
In a season where the Seattle Mariners have been beset by a ridiculous number of injuries, they are finally beginning to get some good luck. Robinson Cano will be back in the lineup on Tuesday night, while Mitch Haniger is expected to return for the start of the Mariners’ next road trip.
However, perhaps the best news of all, is the latest update regarding James Paxton. As reported by Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, the ace pitcher is tentatively scheduled to throw a bullpen session this Wednesday or Thursday.
This follows Paxton recently taking part in some light catching. Assuming everything goes to plan, the hope is he will return to the Mariners during their May 26-28 series versus the Boston Red Sox.
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Obviously, this is excellent news for the Mariners. The 28-year old has not played since his start on May 2, against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Paxton was then placed on the 10-day Disabled List, as a result of a left forearm strain. He apparently first encountered issues with his forearm during a April 26 start, versus the Detroit Tigers.
Understandably, this was extremely frustrating for both the player and the team. And not just because of the rotation becoming decimated by injuries.
The 2010 fourth round draft pick has been the Mariners’ best pitcher this season, after finally showing some consistency to go with his undoubted talent. He currently leads the rotation in ERA (1.43), strikeouts (45) and WHIP (0.98).
The Mariners are fighting to stay around the .500 mark, until their walking wounded return. Paxton will make this task slightly more achievable, although they will still head into June without the likes of Felix Hernandez, Drew Smyly and Hisashi Iwakuma.
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Do the Mariners’ have enough arms to remain in contention, until their decimated rotation returns to somewhere near full strength? Further, all things considered, what’s your verdict on the M’s season up to this point? Share your thoughts in the comments section.