James Paxton First One Up For Mariners

The Seattle Mariners announced over the weekend that James Paxton would be the first one up to start in spring training exhibition games on Wednesday March 2 facing the San Diego Padres.

Paxton is one of the candidates to battle for the 5^th spot in the Mariners starting pitching for the Mariners baring injuries either his or one of the other pitches. The last two years Paxton has come up with injuries starting at the beginning of spring training and started the season on the disabled list. Both years he started thirteen games late in the season with era under four runs per game.

The Mariners are hoping that Paxton can start at least twenty-five games this season whether he begins with the Mariners or at Triple A. Paxton had a lot of promise coming up at the end of 2013 starting four games for the Mariners and going 3-0 with an era of 1.50. If Paxton can stay healthy the Mariners hope that he can meet up with the promise of 2013. Staying healthy is the question and if he does he can be in the starting rotation for many years to come since he still is only twenty-seven years old.

What makes Paxton valuable to is he would be the second lefty in the rotation besides Wade Miley. I expect most teams like to have at least two lefties in the five man rotation. The only other lefty the Mariners have competing for the rotation is Mike Montgomery who had success in the middle of last season before going on a skid. In fact Montgomery was sent down to triple A in August and did not get a call up in September. In Montgomery’s case he is out of options so he has to be on the major league roster coming out of spring training unless he passes waivers which is unlikely. He could be in the bullpen to however that is unlikely since the Mariners plan to carry only two lefties in the bullpen.

So far we have not heard any sign of injury on Paxton and since he is starting the first game shows a good sign too. Whether he is the fifth starter or begins the season in triple A the most important thing is that he is healthy. Also he adds depth to the starting pitching in case another pitcher goes down in spring training or during the season. Even at triple A the Mariners will need Paxton to be ready to be called up. We know whatever pitcher that does lose out for the fifth man in rotation at some point will be pitching for the Mariners.

I know that I am rooting for Paxton to start out in the rotation however being healthy is the major thing. Good luck on Wednesday James Paxton we hope you look real good. Go Mariners!