Seattle Mariners Rumors: James Paxton Ready For Return
Seattle Mariners rumors reveal James Paxton is ready to pitch again. This Mariners news comes at a great time for the team, as the starting rotation is going to get thin with players reaching their innings limits. A report from the Seattle Times states that Paxton will get the start on Sunday, September 13, against the Colorado Rockies. It’s also news that fantasy baseball owners should play close attention to.
Paxton made 10 starts during the 2015 MLB season before getting hurt. Losing him from the starting rotation took the team out of being in serious contention to win the American League West. During those starts, Paxton posted a 3-3 record with a 3.70 ERA and 1.303 WHIP over 58 1/3 innings of work. Now he has a chance to finish the season strong and set a new career-high for innings in a season with the Mariners. That was 74 during the 2014 MLB season.
Paxton won’t have an easy opponent on Sunday, as he goes up against one of the five best offenses in baseball. He addressed the Seattle Mariners rumors about being ready, giving fans a lot to be excited about over the weekend. If he looks good, manager Lloyd McClendon may have him start four or five games before the season ends. Paxton spoke at length about the game and the mangled nail on his previously injured middle finger.
“No problems at all and it’s feeling good. As long as he gives me the ball, I’m out there. Apparently it’s going to look a little weird for a while, but it doesn’t hurt so I’m ready to go. I’m definitely excited to get back out there. It’s been a long time coming. I’m ready to get back out there and compete.”
When the season comes to a close, Paxton will report to the Arizona Fall League to try to increase his innings to around 120 or 130 for the year. The hope is that extending his arm will allow Paxton to pitch up to 180 innings during the 2016 MLB season. That would make him a huge asset to the Mariners as the team tries to finally make it back to the postseason.
The starting rotation should have James Paxton pitch on Sunday, followed by Taijuan Walker, Felix Hernandez, and Hisashi Iwakuma in the next three games. It’s unclear if Vidal Nuno will pitch on the fifth day, or if he will head back to the bullpen. Those are Seattle Mariners rumors that Lloyd McClendon will address early next week.
[Image Source: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images]
