James Paxton on his rehab start for the WooSox: ‘Step in the right direction’
Red Sox left-hander James Paxton made his second rehab start with the WooSox on Friday night. The southpaw threw 3 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and two walks, giving up two earned runs, while striking out six batters.
The Canadian native threw 70 pitches, 47 for strikes while seeing his fastball top out at 97 mph during the start.
“Fastball felt good, I still need to dial in the breaking balls a little bit. It was a step in the right direction,” Paxton told NESN’s Cooper Boardman and reporters.
On Friday afternoon, Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters that Paxton is expected to make at least one more rehab start.
Paxton said post game that he feels good but doesn’t know what’s next for him.
“Physically I feel really good,” said the WooSox lefty.
He does think he needs at least one or two game before joining the Red Sox.
“I feel like I need another game or two, to tighten things up. It’s been a long time since I’ve competed. It feels good to be out there, I felt like I really made some good steps in the right direction today,”said Paxton.
The Red Sox media asked Cora on Tuesday while the team was in St.Petersburg on whether Paxton will pitch out of the rotation or if he’ll see time in the bullpen.
“As of now, we’re going to stretch him out,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday, per Ian Browne of MLB.com.
When Paxton was asked whether or not he will see time in the bullpen, the southpaw seemed surprised by Cora’s comments.
“It’s nothing they’ve had a conversation with me about,” said Paxton.
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