Despite not having his best stuff Tuesday, Paxton kept the White Sox off-balance and allowed just one run with four strikeouts in four innings. The current version of Paxton seems to be mentally stronger and more equipped to deal with situations like that.
PEORIA, Ariz. — The progression of the pitcher that is James Paxton isn’t just about changed arm slots, 99 mph fastballs filling the strike zone or a cutter/slider pitch that doesn’t quite have a name but yields impressive results.
It goes beyond the physical side.
Paxton has grown and matured as a competitor, using the setbacks he’s experienced as learning tools along an uneven path to today.