Mariners’ Paxton on track to start Tuesday against Angels
Published 6:00 pm Saturday, August 13, 2016
By Bob Dutton
The News Tribune
OAKLAND, Calif. — The last remaining hurdle for Seattle Mariners lefty James Paxton is the day-after test in his bid to recover from an Aug. 7 line drive that struck his elbow in a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field.
Paxton threw a bullpen workout prior to Saturday’s game at the Oakland Coliseum, which marked his first time on a mound since getting hit by that Andrelton Simmons’ liner six days earlier in the ninth inning.
“I felt pretty good,” Paxton said, “and the ball was coming out pretty good. We’re just going to see how it responds (Sunday).”
Barring an overnight setback, such as renewed swelling, Paxton is tracking to start Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif.
“He looked good to me,” said manager Scott Servais who, with pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr., observed Paxton’s bullpen workout. “If there is a setback, if he doesn’t feel good, we’ll have to juggle some things with what we’ve got here.”
That suggests the Mariners, if Paxton is unavailable, will use lefty Ariel Miranda on Tuesday because none of the club’s other starting pitchers will have sufficient rest. Miranda pitched six innings on Aug. 4 in a start against Boston.
“I feel like we’re on the right track,” Paxton said, “but, obviously, (Sunday) will be a big day to see how it feels. I feel I’ve been taking steps forward every day. That’s good news.”
Paxton is 4-5 with a 3.53 ERA in 13 starts since his June 1 recall from Triple-A Tacoma. He allowed one earned run over 16 1/3 innings in his last two starts. He also has a 2.17 ERA in seven career starts against the Angels.
