James Paxton

Yankees' James Paxton (back) throws pain-free Wednesday

New York Yankees starting pitcher James Paxton played catch pain-free Wednesday for the first time since undergoing back surgery.

What It Means:

Paxton had a cyst removed from his spine on February 5. The 31-year-old left-hander said mid-May is the earliest he will be ready to make his season debut.

numberFire's models currently project Paxton for a 4.01 ERA and 1.23 WHIP with 152 strikeouts and 44 walks this season.