Former Dodger James Paxton Receives Alarming Injury Diagnosis
Even an escape from Los Angeles couldn’t prevent starting pitcher James Paxton from avoiding a serious injury.
Less than a month after going from L.A. to Boston in advance of the July 30 trade deadline, the left-handed pitcher was placed on the 15-day IL Monday with a right calf strain.
On Tuesday, the Boston Red Sox determined Paxton’s injury is a partially torn right calf rather than a low-grade strain.
During his third start with the Red Sox, the former Dodgers starter attempted to cover first base in the top of the first inning against the Houston Astros. After making a short sprint to the base, Paxton grabbed his calf in pain and limped off the field.
The Dodgers designated Paxton for assignment on July 22. It was a shocking move, but one that needed to be done to make room for several returning injured pitchers. Removing Paxton also opened a spot on the 40-man roster for River Ryan, who made three starts himself before enduring a season-ending elbow injury.
Four days after the decision, Paxtom was traded to the Red Sox in exchange for shortstop Moises Bolivar. Paxton played for the Red Sox last season before being signed to the Dodgers as a free agent on Jan. 29.
The calf tear is one of several injuries Paxton has sustained while playing with Boston. He signed as a free agent with the Red Sox in Dec. 2021, but he was placed on the 60-day injured list after undergoing Tommy John surgery just before Opening Day. The surgery sidelined Paxton for the entire 2022 season.
The 2023 season looked similar to 2022. Paxton found himself back on IL with a right hamstring strain out of camp, but returned in May of that year. Paxton missed three days while being on the paternity list in July. Then, he was back on IL for the third time in Sept. 2023 with right knee inflammation. Across two seasons with Boston, Paxton made 19 starts.
Since Paxton returned to Boston, he made three more starts, posting a 1-1 record. Across 11 innings on the mound, Paxton has logged a 4.09 ERA with nine strikeouts and two walks. Batters average .289 against the southpaw as he has allowed 13 hits and eight runs.
There is still no timetable for the 35-year-old’s return.
Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
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