Paxton has flexor strain in left arm (report)
NEW YORK -- The Yankees received encouraging news on left-hander James Paxton, with an MRI revealing a strained left flexor tendon, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.
The club has not made an official announcement regarding Paxton, who reported tightness in his left elbow and forearm area as he departed Wednesday’s 10-5 loss to the Rays at Yankee Stadium. Paxton is expected to require a stint on the injured list, though Heyman said that surgery is not thought to be required.
Paxton, 31, is 1-1 with a 6.64 ERA in five starts this season. He has exhibited flashes of dominance throughout a career that has seen him post a career record of 57-33 with a 3.58 ERA in 136 starts for the Mariners (2013-18) and Yankees ('19-20), but his career has been pockmarked by numerous injuries. He underwent lower back surgery in February.
There was no update immediately available regarding infielder Gleyber Torres, who was sent for an MRI on Thursday after experiencing tightness in his left hamstring. Speaking after Thursday’s game, manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism that Torres would not require an IL assignment.
If Paxton indeed lands on the injured list, the Yankees could plug the vacancy in their rotation by promoting Clarke Schmidt. The Yanks’ No. 2 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Schmidt impressed during Summer Camp and is currently at the club’s alternate site in Moosic, Pa.
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Other choices to start games include right-handers Jonathan Loaisiga and Michael King, both of whom are on the active roster. Right-hander Deivi García, the club’s No. 3 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, is thought to be less polished than Schmidt at this time.
The Yankees also acquired right-hander Addison Russ from the Phillies on Friday in exchange for right-hander David Hale. Russ, 25, was 5-6 with a 2.54 ERA in 55 relief appearances at Double-A Reading last season. He is expected to report to the Yankees’ alternate site.