James Paxton set to return to Mariners’ rotation this week
With the Seattle Mariners battling for a potential playoff spot, they’ll get a big boost when their ace returns this week.
Barring a setback, pitcher James Paxton is set to return to the rotation on Friday or Saturday against the Oakland Athletics, one of Seattle’s direct playoff rivals.
James Paxton will throw another bullpen session on Tuesday and then get get slotted into the rotation on Friday or Saturday vs. the A's. That may be contingent on the performance of other starters
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) August 25, 2018
The Mariners are currently 5.5 games back in the AL West and four behind the surging Athletics for the second wild-card spot, so lining Paxton up to pitch against Oakland upon his return is no coincidence.
Paxton was hit on the arm by a line drive on Aug. 14 against the Athletics and he hasn’t pitched since. He’s been Seattle’s best starter this season, posting a 3.68 ERA in 24 starts while striking out 176 in 139.1 innings.
