Mariners notebook: James Paxton getting closer to a return

There was a little bit of surprise news from the skipper Saturday morning regarding injured left-handed starter James Paxton.

BY SHANNON DRAYER

Aug 15, 2015, 10:23 AM Updated: 10:57 am

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James Paxton said he felt no problems after the latest bullpen in his rehab from a finger strain. (AP)

(AP)

BOSTON – James Paxton is making good and at long last rapid progress towards his return. Yesterday Paxton threw a 45-pitch bullpen session, mixing in all of his pitches and reporting no problems after. On Tuesday he will throw a simulated game in Texas.

“No pain at all,” he said in the visitor’s clubhouse Saturday morning. “I bounced back really well, which is really good. It’s been responding really well, no lingering tightness or soreness the day after. It’s all been great.”

Paxton said that with each bullpen session he has thrown with more intensity, getting up to about 90 percent yesterday. If the sim game goes well on Tuesday there is a good chance he could be sent to Tacoma to begin his rehab assignment.

“He’s been throwing for quite awhile so his arm is in good shape,” said Lloyd McClendon, noting that he could need just 2-3 rehab starts before returning.

Paxton will be needed. Right now the Mariners are running with a reliever in the rotation. An additional arm will be needed as Taijuan Walker and Mike Montgomery’s innings will also be of concern as the season continues. Paxton needs innings as well to get the feel for pitching to hitters again and to build off of next year after pitching less than 100 innings in 2014 and missing the majority of 2015.

First thing is first, sim game on Tuesday in Texas and they will go from there.

Lineup!

Ketel Marte, SS
Kyle Seager, 3B
Nelson Cruz, RF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Franklin Gutierrez, LF
Austin Jackson, CF
Mark Trumbo, DH
Jesus Montero, 1B
Mike Zunino, C

Felix Hernandez, RHP

Notes

• Danny Farquhar is with the team and available to pitch after catching the red eye out of Sea Tac last night. Farquhar was called up from Tacoma and Mayckol Guaipe was optioned out to the Rainiers after Friday’s game. Rob Rasmussen and David Rollins are not available after pitching multiple innings yesterday.

• Charlie Furbush threw a bullpen early Saturday but no information was available about it before the game. We should learn more after the game.

• Hisashi Iwakuma threw his bullpen Saturday and will make his next start on Tuesday. Taijuan Walker will go Monday.

• Ramon Flores, who was tearing it up in Tacoma hitting .423 after being acquired in the Dustin Ackley trade, suffered a compound fracture of the ankle last night trying to make a play in the outfield. He is out for the year.

• Three years ago today Felix threw his perfect game. This is the first time Felix has pitched on the anniversary of the perfecto.