Dodgers’ James Paxton has found success despite missing a key ingredient

Los Angeles’ James Paxton pitches to the Reds at Dodger Stadium last week. He’s been able to survive — and often thrive — with only two pitches for much of the season. James Paxton will take a 5-0 record and 2.84 ERA into his start Friday night at Cincinnati, which is pretty remarkable considering the Dodgers left-hander walked as many batters (24) as he struck out (24) in 44\u2153 innings of his first eight games and is ready to send out a search party for one of his best secondary pitches.

“I don’t really know where it is,” Paxton said of his cut-fastball, an essential part of his three-pitch repertoire for most of his 11-year career until this season. “I’m trying to figure it out. We’re…