James Paxton will work on his curveball for the first time this offseason in a bullpen session Friday, 710 ESPN's Shannon Drayer reports.

Paxton will work on his curveball for the first time this offseason in a bullpen session Friday, 710 ESPN's Shannon Drayer reports.

Analysis:

He threw his fastball and changeup Tuesday, but has not thrown a breaking ball this offseason, so Friday will mark an important step in his recovery from a finger injury. Given Paxton's injury history, the Mariners made a point to not go into spring training relying on him this season, but he will have the chance to beat out Nate Karns for the fifth spot in the rotation.