The News Tribune · Jul 25, 2018
Mariners skip James Paxton’s start because of lingering back injury
No, the sky is not falling in Seattle Marinerland. At least, that’s what manager Scott Servais attempted to sell it on Tuesday afternoon with James Paxton still on the disabled list.
All indications pointed to Paxton returning for a Tuesday night start against the San Francisco Giants at Safeco Field after missing just one start; instead Paxton remains on the DL with back stiffness.
Paxton threw a 40-pitch bullpen session on Saturday and felt fine. But he entered the clubhouse Sunday more sore than he expected.
“I thought after the bullpen I was for sure going to start the game today,” Paxton said. “But coming in the next day and having that soreness just showed me I wasn’t there yet.”