ANAHEIM -- One of the biggest positives for the Mariners in their strong first-half run has been the health of James Paxton, but the big left-hander was pulled from Thursday's start against the Angels after just 17 pitches with stiffness in his lower back.
Paxton gave up three runs on three hits while getting just two outs in his abbreviated start and was taken out after giving up a two-run homer to Albert Pujols on a 93 mph fastball.
Paxton has dealt with numerous injury issues over his career, but the 29-year-old came into the game with an 8-3 record and 3.