New York Yankees starting pitcher James Paxton (back) "appears game-ready," according to general manager Brian Cashman.
The COVID-19 pandemic has allowed Paxton to recover from a microscopic lumbar discectomy on February 5 that was expected to keep him on the shelf into May. The 31-year-old right-hander is scheduled to become a free agent after the season. He recorded a 3.82 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with 186 strikeouts and 55 walks over 150 2/3 innings for the Yankees in 2019.
numberFire's models project Paxton to record a 4.01 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 73 strikeouts and 21 walks over 60 2/3 innings this season.
Source: Lindsey Adler, The Athletic