After throwing just five pitches, Boston Red Sox pitcher James Paxton was forced out of his start against the Houston Astros on Sunday. Paxton, who joined Boston from the Los Angeles Dodgers in late July, attempted to run toward first base to cover the bag on a ground ball to Dominic Smith. He barely made it off the mound, began holding his lower leg, and had to be helped off the field. Paxton left the contest with a man on and two outs in the first inning. Following his departure, the Red Sox announced that the 35-year-old suffered a right calf strain.
James Paxton needs to be helped off the field in the first inning of his start pic.twitter.com/XglAGN6is2
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 11, 2024
James Paxton Exits Pivotal Start With Injury
Paxton was making just his third start for Boston in 2024. He left the matchup with a 4.09 ERA over 11 innings with the Red Sox. Paxton’s injury comes at an extremely rough time for the organization. Boston pitched a bullpen game on Saturday, using solely relievers in a loss to the Astros. Paxton’s injury makes Sunday a pseudo-bullpen contest as well. The BP is forced to take over 8 ⅓ innings in the final matchup of the series. Lucas Sims, a recent acquisition, was the first man up after Paxton left the contest. He threw two innings of one-run ball.
James Paxton grabbed his right calf after trying to cover 1B. The Red Sox will need back-to-back bullpen days to avoid a sweep from the Astros. pic.twitter.com/EfTpU2dK5O
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) August 11, 2024
Sunday’s game between the Red Sox and Astros was a massive bout. Entering the day, Houston led its division, the American League West, but was half a game behind Boston’s overall standings. Both organizations will be in the thick of a close playoff race, and if the Astros lose their tight division, it could be neck and neck in the AL Wildcard. The wildcard seems like the Red Sox’s only way into the postseason, with the club trailing the Baltimore Orioles by 7.5 games in the AL East. If the season ended today, Boston would miss the playoffs. The Red Sox are 2.5 games out of the third wildcard spot, sitting behind the Kansas City Royals.
Boston’s Injury-riddled Rotation
The Red Sox have already dealt with many starter injuries this year. The club lost Lucas Giolitio and Garrett Whitlock for the season early on. Both were supposed to be a part of Boston’s starting rotation. Nick Pivetta missed the last week due to arm fatigue, skipping a start. He is slated to take the mound on Thursday to get back on track. Cooper Criswell, who has made 13 starts this season, is on the COVID-19 Injured List and won’t return until August 15. Brayan Bello, the Red Sox’s youngest starter, is also unavailable and on the paternity list. Paxton’s issue has now been added to the list. There are potential pitchers that Boston could pick up in free agency to help fill the void, including long-time veteran Rich Hill.
Just a reminder, the Red Sox were at Rich Hill’s showcase a few days back.
🎥: @bradfopic.twitter.com/LFoZ7jNBS6
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) August 11, 2024
Paxton’s Second Tenure With Boston Off To Rough Start
Paxton was designated for assignment by the Dodgers before being traded to Boston. He spent all of 2023 with the Red Sox, starting 19 times and posting a 4.50 ERA. Paxton began his career with the Seattle Mariners and spent seven years with the club. He then headed to the New York Yankees for two seasons before returning to Seattle in 2021. Paxton did not appear in 2022 due to injury. It is unclear how long his injury will keep him sidelined.
