The Boston Red Sox’s rotation is stressed by the James Paxton injury

Teams in Major League Baseball are looking everywhere for pitchers. Starting pitching is necessary for teams. And bullpen assistance is needed. The Boston Red Sox traded for left-handed starter James Paxton to bolster their pitching depth in the tenuous hopes of catching the Yankees and Orioles in the American League East.

The Los Angeles Dodgers traded minor league infielder Moises Bolivar, 17, for Paxton, 35, on July 26. The Red Sox probably thought that by bringing in Paxton, their chances of earning at least one of the three American League Wild Card positions would increase.

The Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, and Baltimore Orioles are all in close proximity to the Red Sox for one of those berths. Paxton now has a partial tear in his right calf muscle, placing him on the Injured List.

He is being called a “long shot” to return this season. Paxton left his August 11 start in pain. The loss of Paxton puts more stress on their starting rotation. Calf issues can be serious, and can linger. They are especially difficult for pitchers, who rely so much on strength in their legs.

Paxton told MLB.com “It just felt like I got kicked in the calf,” the hobbled Paxton said postgame after making it through just three batters on the day. “Then I kind of turned around, took another step and felt it again, and I was like, ‘Oh, it’s not good.

About James Paxton: The trade with the Dodgersd returned Paxton to the Red Sox, where he made 19 starts in 2023. Paxton was designated for assignment by the Dodgers July 22. Paxton is 6-5, 212 pounds.

Paxton was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1st round of the June 2009 MLB Draft. He was the 37th player selected that year. Paxton did not sign with the Blue Jays. Paxton went back into the draft the following June. He was chosen in the 4th round of the 2010 draft by the Seattle Mariners. Paxton received a $942,500 signing bonus from Seattle.

Paxton, who is in his 11th year, has pitched at the major league level for the Mariners, the New York Yankees, the Red Sox, and the Dodgers.

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