Mariners' Paxton exits after 17 pitches with stiff back

Seattle Mariners left-hander James Paxton was removed from his start against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday after throwing just 17 pitches in the first inning. He was replaced by Chasen Bradford.

The Mariners announced that Paxton left with lower back stiffness, according to Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports.

Paxton was roughed up by the Angels during his brief outing. In only 2/3 of an inning, he allowed home runs to David Fletcher and Albert Pujols, while also displaying a slight decrease in velocity. Following Pujols' homer, Paxton was visited on the mound by Seattle's training staff and was then lifted from the game.

The 29-year-old Canadian is enjoying an excellent season and came into Thursday's start sporting a 3.49 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 154 strikeouts while leading the league in shutouts and complete games. In May, he threw a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays.