Dodgers News: Andrew Friedman Discusses James Paxton’s Injury Issues
The Los Angeles Dodgers latest signing, left-handed pitcher James Paxton, comes into his first season with the Dodgers with a recent injury history. An unspecified health issue is the reason the Dodgers and Paxton restructured his one-year deal from $11 million to $7 million.
Over the last two years, Paxton has dealt with numerous injuries that has kept him out of a lot of gameplay. Paxton missed the entire 2022 season while with the Boston Red Sox, and played part of the season in 2023. He recovery from a Tommy John surgery, a lat tear, a hamstring issue and a knee injury. The knee issue ended his 2023 campaign early.
However, Dodgers general manager Andrew Friedman isn’t worried about Paxton’s recent injury history heading into 2024.
“We don’t think so. He feels really good and strong,” Friedman said. “Obviously we weren’t around him last season so it’s hard. It’s harder. If you’re around someone, you see how they’re recovering, the treatment they’re getting, things that we can do to help. You have a much better feel for that with someone who’s been with you before. Someone who hasn’t, it’s harder.”
via Bill Plunkett of the OC Register.
The team is confident he’ll be good to go this year, though.
“But he’s incredibly confident. We feel good about it,” Friedman added. “He is a full go and ready to get after it and excited to be here.”
via Bill Plunkett of the OC Register.
Though the Dodgers had some worries prior to signing Paxton, there appears to be no worries anymore. This message seems to be echoed from Paxton himself, who expects to be in the Dodgers starting rotation at the beginning of the season.
Photo Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
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