James Paxton Exits Yankees Game After 21-Pitch 1st Inning With Possible Injury

This is just about the last thing Yankees fans were hoping to hear.

Starting pitcher James Paxton was toeing the rubber Friday night against the Rangers, but after throwing a 21-pitch first inning, action was spotted in the Yankee bullpen. Reliever Ben Heller was up and warming, and was called upon to replace Paxton after his lone inning of work.

An injury to Paxton would be the worst-case scenario for the Yankees entering the postseason, as he's been lights out of late, looking to have finally ironed out the kinks that plagued him early on in the year.

While it's unclear at this time why Paxton was removed, most assume it was due to an injury of sorts, and Yankee fans were less than thrilled at the prospect of their star southpaw getting hurt in a meaningless game right before the playoffs.

We'll provide more information on Paxton when it becomes available, but for now fans are hoping that he's not dealing with a serious ailment.

UPDATE: James Paxton was removed from the game due to tightness in his left glute. The move was said to be precautionary.