Yankees' James Paxton Says He Will Start Wednesday Against the Padres
By Sean Facey
The New York Yankees are set to get another one of their stars back.
Starter James Paxton, who has missed time with a knee injury, said he will start Wednesday's game against the San Diego Padres.
James Paxton will indeed start tomorrow. #Yankees
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) May 28, 2019
Paxton was initially placed on the injured list with left knee inflammation. The southpaw last pitched against the Twins on May 3, lasting three innings before he was pulled.
He had pitched well up to that point. On the season, he's logged a 3.11 ERA in seven starts in pinstripes, punching out 52 batters in the process.
New York's rotation is in dire need of reinforcement. Though their bullpen game against the Padres resulted in a 5-2 win, they're still without ace Luis Severino until after the All-Star break.
Yankees fans could potentially see James Paxton back on the mound in the Bronx on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/pxVAk4vakv
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) May 28, 2019
Paxton's return eases the pressure on both the bullpen and the rest of the rotation. He'll eat innings and keep the opposing offense at bay with routine efficiency, provided his balky knee can hold up.
His return makes a Yankees team that's already 35-18 with a 6.5-game cushion over the rival Red Sox that much more menacing.