As if almost losing Edwin Encarnación wasn’t enough, the New York Yankees nearly lost starting pitcher James Paxton last week in his final start of the regular season. Paxton threw only 21 pictures before leaving with discomfort in his left glute. He was diagnosed with a nerve irritation but was feeling better after rest and medication.
This ailment was undoubtedly a result of fatigue, and Paxton has recently picked up his game exponentially to help the Yankees and their starting pitching rotation woes. This season, he has earned a 3.82 ERA with 15 wins and six losses. He has pitched the second-most in his entire career in regards to innings with 150.2. He also has the second amount of strikeouts, with 186.
Where does James Paxton fit into the New York Yankees playoff plans?
Paxton was slated to start game one of the ALDS against the Minnesota Twins on Friday, and that reality still stands. Garnering the starting assignment for the first game of an important series will certainly test Paxton’s health and consistency. The fact that he’s been feeling better and should be ready to go is an excellent sign for the Yankees or injury-plagued team.
“We were proactive to get an evaluation on it, probably more so because of the time of year than maybe we would’ve acted if it wasn’t this time of year, just to determine if there was anything we’re not aware of going on there,†Yankees GM Brian Cashman said on Sunday. “Now he’s on some medication that should really assist him in the next 24-48 hours to have it fully resolved. That’s our expectations, so I kind of have that one in the rearview mirror.â€
The Bombers will likely be without first baseman Luke Voit and fortunately will have Edwin Encarnación for the postseason after he successfully progressed through his simulation and was deemed healthy. This will provide a huge boost for the hitting order.
Ford is hitting .259 with 12 homers and 25 RBIs over 143 at-bats this season. He has been stellar offensively for the Yankees and will make a reliable option for the postseason. Considering how lackluster Voit has been at the plate recently, Ford should be an easy decision to make for manager Aaron Boone.