Dodgers News: Andrew Friedman Talks James Paxton’s Injury Issues
In January, it was announced that the Dodgers had signed left-handed pitcher James Paxton to a one-year $11 million deal with incentives. Not long after, reports came out they had reworked his contract, lowering the guaranteed money from $11 million to $7 million.
During a media scrum at spring training, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman was asked about Paxton and if he anticipates any physical issues for Paxton.
“We don’t think so. He feels really good and strong. 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.”
Per Andrew Friedman via The Orange Country Register
This sentiment works both ways as well. Relief pitcher Daniel Hudson decided against retirement to try pitching one more time. He only wanted to come back to Los Angeles because of his familiarity with the organization and their plans with him.
Paxton has spent his entire professional career playing in the American League with the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox.
Friedman followed up his comment by expressing confidence in the 35-year-old veteran,
“But he’s incredibly confident. We feel good about it. … He is a full go and ready to get after it and excited to be here.”
Per Andrew Friedman via The Orange Country Register
Paxton has missed significant time in the past few years, pitching only 117.2 innings in the past four seasons. He missed 2022 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Then, a knee injury sidelined him for the majority of 2023.
It appears Paxton is trending towards being healthy for opening day in Korea. In 2024, the Dodgers will turn to him for much-needed rotational depth.
Photo Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, livestreams, and more!
