VIDEO: Aaron Boone Gives Positive Update on James Paxton Injury Timetable
By Mark Powell
The New York Yankees' pitching depth is already being questioned, and we're mere days into the start of official Spring Training action. Luis Severino's ailments are slightly more mysterious, but at least in the case of lefty James Paxton, Aaron Boone and Co. know where they stand.
Aaron Boone feels really good about where James Paxton is following surgery. pic.twitter.com/x1N0N14mGc
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) February 22, 2020
Paxton's initial injury diagnosis of 3-to-4 months, which was given at the start of February, should prove accurate, as the former All-Star is set to begin his throwing program in about 10 days, per Boone. That would put him on track for a mid-May return.
The 31-year-old underwent a microscopic lumbar discectomy for the removal of a peridiscal cyst, which in simplest terms is a back injury. With Paxton out, the Yankees will rely upon the likes of JA Happ, Jordan Montgomery and others to fill out the bottom of the rotation, while Gerrit Cole and Masahiro Tanaka carry the pitching staff.
In-game comments from Aaron Boone to Suzyn Waldman and John Sterling: "(James Paxton) is on track to start throwing in the next 10 days or so. I think there is a really good chance that he’ll be ready sometime in May. He’s doing well and we’re excited about where he’s at.”
— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) February 22, 2020
Injuries defined the Yankees' 2019 season from the outset, so receiving some positive news, for once, is a nice change of pace entering a season with World Series expectations.