Mariners’ Paxton returns for start against Rockies (May 31, 2017)

Left-hander James Paxton will return to the Seattle Mariners’ beleaguered rotation Wednesday when the series with the Colorado Rockies shifts to Safeco Field in Seattle after two games at Coors Field.

Paxton, who was on the disabled list since May 3 with a left forearm strain, will be the first of Seattle’s four injured starters to be reinstated.

Before going on the DL, Paxton (3-0, 1.43 ERA) made six starts and had a streak of 23 consecutive scoreless innings from April 5-20.

He threw 55 pitches over four innings in a rehab start Friday for Double-A Arkansas.

Mariners manager Scott Servais said Paxton, who is 0-1 with a 6.00 ERA in one career start against Colorado, might pitch five or six…