James Paxton has setback in return from arm injury
James Paxton suffered a setback Wednesday. The Yankees left-hander, who is on the injured list with a strained forearm flexor, “felt a little sore” after throwing Wednesday and won’t throw for “a couple days,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said on his weekly WFAN appearance.
A day before, Boone had told reporters that the hope was that Paxton would still be able to get back before the end of the regular season. Boone had mentioned the possibility that Paxton would throw off the mound for the first time this weekend.
With two weeks and three days left in the regular season, it’s now hard to see how Paxton could ramp up again after resting “a couple of days.” That would mean playing catch, seeing how he responds, throwing off a mound, throwing live batting practice and then simulated innings, all to get back before Sept. 27.
The Yankees head into this weekend’s four-game series with the Orioles holding on to the eighth and last American League playoff spot, so there could be innings for Paxton there if he does get back.
