James Paxton Admits Dodgers Were ‘Worried’ About His Knee Injury From Last Season

The Dodgers signed left-handed pitcher James Paxton to a one-year deal this offseason, but the contract took some time to be finalized.

After it was initially reported that Paxton signed a deal worth $11 million with incentives, the team then reworked the contract, giving him $7 million over one year with incentives.

It was unclear why the Dodgers decided to restructure the contract, and they declined to speak on it citing a HIPAA issue.

However, at spring training, Paxton spoke to reporters, and got honest about the issues in his physical.

Paxton, said it was nothing specific, rather his overall body that caused some concerns. However, he did say the team was “worried” about his knee injury that ended his 2023 season early.

“They wanted to talk about that,” Paxton said. “Obviously, going through the Tommy John and talking about how my elbow was feeling and stuff like that. But that was about it.”

Paxton underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2021, ending his season after just one start. Then, in 2022, he made one rehab start in August, but suffered a lat tear that ultimately ended his 2022 season.

Paxton opened the 2023 season on the injured list due to a hamstring strain, and was able to make 19 starts with the Boston Red Sox before his season ended early due to right knee inflammation. In those 96 innings, Paxton had a 4.50 ERA and 101 strikeouts.

Paxton said he’s feeling much healthier now, and is confident he’ll be able to start the season in the Dodgers’ rotation. But if he’s unable to stay healthy, or if any of his past injury issues return, the Dodgers won’t be on the hook to pay him as much.

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