Paxton may return to start Wednesday vs. SD
This browser does not support the video element.
NEW YORK -- James Paxton is nearing a return from the injured list and could pitch on Wednesday for the Yankees against the Padres. The team doctor on Monday cleared him to return, according to manager Aaron Boone, but the team hasn’t finalized which day he will pitch.
“We certainly feel like we’re headed in that direction and [are] hoping he can go for us now on Wednesday,” Boone said before Monday’s 5-2 win over San Diego at Yankee Stadium.
Paxton said he still felt some soreness and discomfort when he threw four innings of an extended spring game on Friday in Tampa, Fla., but that the feeling is like a bruise. He said he can pitch through it, as long as he knows he wouldn’t put himself in danger of further injury by doing so.
After Friday's outing, Paxton threw a bullpen session on Sunday, which he said felt “the best that it’s felt since going on the IL.”
“I feel like I’m ready to go,” Paxton said.
Paxton and Boone both acknowledged that he may not be able to pitch up to his normal length if he did start on Wednesday, but Paxton estimated that he could likely go somewhere between 75 and 80 pitches.
The 30-year-old southpaw has been on the injured list since May 4 with left knee inflammation. Before his injury, Paxton had a 3.11 ERA in seven starts this season, including two straight outings with 12 strikeouts on April 16 and 21.
Other injury updates
-- Luis Severino said he doesn’t feel discomfort anymore and hasn’t in about 20 days. He’s set to see the doctor on Monday or Tuesday, with the hope of being cleared to throw.
“[It’s] good that he’s at the point where he’s feeling ready to move forward with that,” Boone said.
Severino began the season on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation. He experienced a setback in early April with a Grade 2 lat strain.
This browser does not support the video element.
-- Dellin Betances, who also began the season on the IL with a right shoulder impingement, threw around 20 fastballs from the mound in a bullpen session on Monday. His next step will be another bullpen on Thursday.
-- CC Sabathia, who was placed on the injured list last Thursday with right knee inflammation, could be in line to start Sunday's series finale against the Red Sox, if all goes well. He’ll throw a bullpen on Tuesday, according to Boone.
“He could possibly be in play Sunday to end the homestand,” Boone said. “We’ll see how [the bullpen] goes and how the next couple days unfold.”