Mariners notebook: Scott Servais provides update on James Paxton’s status
Aug 16, 2017, 1:30 PM | Updated: 3:06 pm
James Paxton hasn't been cleared to throw yet but is increasing activity. (AP)
(AP)
A few updates from Scott Servais’ meeting with the media Wednesday morning before the Mariners’ homestand finale against Baltimore:
• James Paxton has not been cleared to start throwing yet, but has been cleared to increase his activity. Servais is hoping that Paxton, who has been out since Aug. 11 with a pectoral strain, will be able to return at the three-week mark, but admits his estimates are optimistic. “Is it going to be as quick as I originally hoped? I don’t know,” Servais said. “I always go on the low side. That’s wishful thinking and I go with the wishful thinking, if nothing more just to push players along.”
• Kyle Seager was out of the lineup for a second straight day as he continues to deal with a stomach ailment. He has received IV fluids and antibiotics, and while he was not at the park Wednesday morning, he is expected to travel with the team on its flight to Tampa after the game.
• Danny Valencia took Seager’s spot at third as Servais wants to get his bat back into the lineup. Valencia’s playing time took a hit after the addition of Yonder Alonso. If the Mariners continue to struggle offensively, there is a chance we could see Valencia in the the outfield on occasion, as well.
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• With the Mariners having the next three Thursdays off, Servais acknowledged earlier this week that there is a chance we could see him get creative with the rotation. We will not see that this week, however, as they will stay in rotation with Andrew Albers getting the start Monday in Atlanta.
• Servais indicated that Felix Hernandez, who also has yet to resume throwing after a re-appearance of shoulder bursitis, will be out longer than Paxton.
• Better news: Reliever David Phelps is scheduled to throw a bullpen Friday in Tampa. If all goes well a sim game should follow and he could be activated from the 10-day disabled list after that.
• Christian Bergman cleared waivers and was outrighted to Tacoma.
