Yankees Make Strange Decision Bringing James Paxton Back Against Padres Instead of Red Sox

Yankees starter James Paxton has been cleared to return from the injured list, which should give the club some much-needed help with their thin rotational depth. According to Paxton, he will be making his first start back on Wednesday against the Padres.

This is an odd decision, given that the Yanks have a crucial series coming up against the rival Red Sox. With Paxton starting Wednesday, New York has a "bullpen day" scheduled for one of the games in the series against the Sox.

The logic behind this decision likely results from the fact that they already used one bullpen day this week, in which six pitchers combined to secure a win over the Padres on Monday. The Yankees likely hope that Paxton can provide a quality start and get deep enough in the game to provide some much-needed relief for the 'pen.

Still, having a bullpen day scheduled against their biggest rivals rather than saving Paxton for the series opener on Thursday is a curious choice. The Yankees need to be as prepared as possible for the dangerous Red Sox' arrival in the Bronx, and using Paxton on Wednesday will certainly make that more difficult.

Regardless, James Paxton's return from the IL should provide a huge boost to the AL East leaders, even if it comes at a curious time.