Mariners’ Paxton resumes throwing, to have bullpen workout on Friday

PEORIA, Ariz. — Lefty James Paxton tested his recovery from a sore forearm Monday by playing catch and is targeting Friday for his first official spring bullpen workout.

The Seattle Mariners put Paxton on a go-slow approach after he stumbled in an agility drill in a pre-camp workout. When he fell forward, he reached to brace his fall — and the result was two sore forearms.

And no throwing … until Monday.

“I’m ready to get rolling here and get ready for the season,” Paxton said. “I feel confident that I’ll have plenty of time to get myself ready for those (regular-season) games in April.”

Paxton had been scheduled to throw long toss Monday before rain forced the Mariners to shift their workouts out of the elements. That rain is expected to exit the area prior to Tuesday’s practice.

“I’ll probably go out to 90 or 110 feet (on Tuesday),” Paxton said. “The plan is to take a day off on Wednesday. Then Thursday, I will throw again. And Friday, a bullpen (workout).”

The Mariners’ standard approach for pitchers is two bullpen workouts and two rounds of throwing live batting practice before getting into a Cactus League game.

That would put Paxton on pace to make his spring debut by mid-March and allow him to make roughly five starts prior to the regular season.

“I think we’re OK,” manager Lloyd McClendon said. “He’s been off about a week. He was built up before then. We had a target date, and he’s certainly going to be back on the mound before then. He should be just fine.”

Intrasquad rainout

Rain forced the Mariners to cancel their only planned spring intrasquad, which meant those pitchers scheduled for work had to shift to bullpen workouts.

McClendon said there were no plans to reschedule the game. The Mariners open their 32-game Cactus League schedule at 12:05 p.m. Pacific time Wednesday against San Diego at renovated Peoria Stadium.

But for those interested, here are the planned intrasquad lineups (no designated hitters):

¦ Second baseman Shawn O’Malley, shortstop Brad Miller, right fielder Jordy Lara, third baseman D.J. Peterson, first baseman Pat Kivlehan, left fielder Julio Morban, center fielder Austin Cousino and catcher Tyler Marlette.

¦ Center fielder James Jones, shortstop Chris Taylor, first baseman Jesus Montero, left fielder Ji-Man Choi, third baseman Carlos Rivero, right fielder Stefen Romero, second baseman Ketel Marte and catcher John Hicks.

Iwakuma on target

The rain also forced Hisashi Iwakuma to settle for throwing a modified batting practice — hitters stood at the plate in a semi-covered area near the indoor batting cages but weren’t permitted to swing due to the confined area.

There was a hit, though.

Iwakuma plunked outfielder Gabby Guerrero in the back.

“It was a split-finger (fastball) that just kind of slipped out of my finger,” Iwakuma said through interpreter Antony Suzuki. “I felt kind of bad for (Guerrero).”

Iwakuma is scheduled to make his spring debut Saturday against Arizona at Peoria Stadium. The Mariners have a split-squad doubleheader on Saturday; their other team is playing the Chicago White Sox in Glendale.

Pries noticed

Right-hander Jordan Pries is likely ticketed for a return trip to Triple-A Tacoma, but he’s already drawn McClendon’s attention.

“I’ve been impressed,” McClendon said. “He’s been a strike-thrower. He shows a lot of poise. I’m excited about him being at the Triple-A level.”

Pries, 25, was 9-8 with a 4.06 ERA last season in 25 games for the Rainiers and was picked as the organizations’s co-minor-league starting pitcher of the year with right-hander Edwin Diaz.

“(Pries) certainly gives us more depth with our starting pitching in case we do have injuries,” McClendon said. “That’s a nice feeling. I can see why people in our organization like him a lot. He’s pretty good.”

Angels issues

It appears Angels right-hander Garrett Richards won’t be recovered from knee surgery in time to pitch in Los Angeles’ season-opening series against the Mariners at Safeco Field.

Manager Mike Scioscia said Richards won’t likely be available until two-to-three weeks into the season.

Richards, 26, was 13-4 with a 2.61 ERA last season in 28 before suffering a torn tendon in his left knee while covering first base on a play in Boston.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.