Mariners’ James Paxton not ready to return from elbow injury
Aug 15, 2016, 5:17 PM | Updated: 5:28 pm
James Paxton hasn't pitched since he was hit on his left elbow with a line drive on Aug. 7. (AP)
(AP)
ANAHEIM – Mariners manager Scott Servais had some unexpected news Monday afternoon as shortly before he met with the media it was determined it would be best to push James Paxton’s next start back even further. Earlier Monday, Paxton’s name replaced the “TBD” next to Tuesday in the upcoming pitching probables released by the team. Servais later announced that Ariel Miranda will get that start instead.
“There’s still some concern that he feels a little tightness in his forearm,” Servais said about Paxton. “We’re going to do the right thing and give him a little more time.”
The tightness in the forearm is due to the bruise in Paxton’s elbow from when it was hit by a line drive on Aug. 7. The swelling has made its way down his arm and was more pronounced Monday than it was the day before. Paxton threw a bullpen session on Saturday and felt that it went well. He played catch again Sunday without incident.
Servais said this is a fairly normal progression with a contusion and that Paxton will need at least a couple more days, so a starter will be needed Wednesday as well. Joe Wieland is still with the team and it would appear likely that he will get that start.
Servais acknowledged that if it looks like Paxton mill miss much more time, the Mariners could place him on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to when he was injured and bring up another player.
