BOSTON — The Red Sox acquired left-hander James Paxton before last month’s trade deadline to strengthen their pitching staff. However, Paxton may now be sidelined.
During his start on Sunday, Paxton left the game after just two outs (five pitches) due to what appeared to be a right leg injury. The Red Sox later reported it as a right calf strain, though the severity is still unknown.
Paxton induced a grounder from Yordan Alvarez but was unable to cover first base as Dom Smith fielded the ball. He collapsed near the mound, clutching his right leg/calf, and had to be helped off the field by Manager Alex Cora and a team trainer.
Reliever Lucas Sims replaced Paxton, who faced just three batters. The injury is particularly ill-timed for the Red Sox, who had used four pitchers in a bullpen game on Saturday, including Josh Winckowski for three innings and Brad Keller for four, in a 5-4 loss. The team’s pitching depth has been tested with Nick Pivetta’s rotation spot skipped due to arm fatigue and his expected replacement, Cooper Criswell, placed on the COVID injured list after falling ill.
Paxton, who made 19 starts for the Red Sox last season, was re-acquired in a July 26 trade that sent prospect Moises Bolivar to the Dodgers after Paxton had been designated for assignment. In two starts since the trade, Paxton posted a 4.35 ERA, allowing five earned runs and 11 hits over 10⅓ innings. He allowed two earned runs on five hits in six innings in his last start against the Royals on Aug. 5.
Paxton’s next start was set for Friday in Baltimore. If he has to miss time, the Red Sox might bring back Criswell (who can’t return until Friday) or look to Triple-A options like Quinn Priester, Richard Fitts, or Zach Penrod. Another possibility is veteran Rich Hill, who, at 44, is a free agent and recently threw a showcase for scouts. The Red Sox had representatives at that event.
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