Aaron Boone Announces James Paxton Could Rejoin Yankees Rotation 'Next Week' in New Positive Update
By Adam Weinrib
Yes, Yankee fans, James Paxton appears to be more than just "on the mend."
He's even sitting down properly! Which is actually an important step.
Per Aaron Boone, Paxton ran the gamut in his latest bullpen session on Friday, simulating actual game action to make sure he was prepared to toss, rest, then toss again. It supposedly went swimmingly, and there's a possibility the Canadian lefty will rejoin the Yanks' rotation on the road next week.
Aaron Boone was pleased with James Paxton’s bullpen today. The lefty warmed up, sat (as if he would during a half inning in a game), threw again, sat. And he did fielding drills. A chance he rejoins the rotation on the road next week.
— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) May 17, 2019
After this final home series against the first-place Rays, New York heads to Baltimore and Kansas City, leaving Paxton two fairly solid opportunities to showcase his skills (though he was patently awful the last time he appeared in Baltimore, one of two true duds during his otherwise-sparkling season).
The final step towards his reinstatement is one last home side session on Sunday.
Aaron Boone said James Paxton's pen and PFP went well today but he will not be pitching for the #Yankees this weekend. Plan is to do a side session Sunday. If that goes well, he could return for the road trip.
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) May 17, 2019
Here's hoping the sitting goes well once again.