Seattler Mariners pitcher James Paxton exited his start Thursday against the Los Angeles Angels after just 17 pitches with stiffness in his lower back.
Paxton had allowed three runs on three hits (two HRs) in two-thirds of an inning. Chasen Bradford came into relieve Paxton.
Paxton's start was bumped up a day, taking the place of Felix Hernandez, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list for a stiff lower back.
An extended absence of Paxton would be a blow for Seattle. He has 155 strikeouts this season, the fifth-most in the American League and the most by a Mariners pitcher before the All-Star break since Randy Johnson in 1998 (170).