Yankees' Paxton to get MRI after feeling discomfort in forearm, elbow
New York Yankees left-hander James Paxton is scheduled to undergo an MRI after feeling discomfort in his forearm and elbow during Thursday's start against the Tampa Bay Rays, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.
Paxton cruised through four innings before running into trouble in the fifth. "The Big Maple" finished the game allowing three runs over five innings while giving up one hit and walking four, striking out eight. The 31-year-old got a no-decision in the 10-5 loss, which gave the Rays control of first place in the AL East.
Paxton's MRI comes as the Yankees deal with a host of stars getting sidelined, with Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, DJ LeMahieu, and Zack Britton all recently hitting the injured list.
Paxton had back surgery this past offseason and wasn't expected to be ready for Opening Day. However, after the beginning of the season was postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the southpaw recovered in time for the 2020 campaign's rescheduled opener.
In his first start on July 25, the pending free agent showed a distinct dip in velocity. At the time, manager Aaron Boone said he was "not alarmed."
Over five starts, Paxton has authored a 6.64 ERA and 4.32 FIP in 20 1/3 innings.