New York Yankees’ left-handed star James Paxton was removed from his start after one inning Friday night against the Texas Rangers. Ben Heller replaced Paxton’s start and manager Aaron Boone requested that Heller get more warmup tosses which could mean only one thing – Paxton suffered an injury.
James Paxton left tonight's game with a tight left glute. He was removed as a precaution.
— Bryan Hoch ?? (@BryanHoch) September 28, 2019
Paxton threw 21 pitches after allowing two runs in the bottom of the first. He didn’t look his normal self, allowing three hits in the first while only fanning one. Michael Kay even mentioned that he believed Paxton looked uncomfortable and not himself.
Aaron Boone was anticipating that Paxton throw four or five innings depending on how well he was throwing, there was no plan of him only going one inning.
James Paxton just allowed his first homer in September. #Yankees pic.twitter.com/PB7DVDiuDd
— Tom Hanslin (@TomHanslin) September 28, 2019
“We might go a little bit shorter with him,” said Boone. “Still expect him to get a lot of work and hopefully he pitches at least into the middle innings.”
The 30-year-old is a big part of the New York Yankees’ postseason plans as many believe he would be the game one start for the American League Divison Series. If the Yankees were unfortunate to lost Paxton, this would put a big dent in their postseason plans as they already lost Domingo German and Dellin Betances.
Masahiro Tanaka and Luis Severino are believed to be the other starters for the postseason.
Paxton has been the ace of the staff for the last few months of the season where’s he’s credited to a 15-6 record and a 3.73 ERA. He’s won his last ten starts and has looked unbelievable.