When James Paxton Will Make First Start In Return To Red Sox

James Paxton didn’t get the chance last season to pitch in one of the biggest rivalries in sports as a member of the Boston Red Sox.

And the veteran left-hander, who is back with the Red Sox after the franchise traded for him Friday from the Los Angeles Dodgers, won’t see the New York Yankees during Boston’s weekend series with its archrival.

Manager Alex Cora told reporters prior to Saturday’s matchup with the Yankees at Fenway Park that Paxton will get his first start in his return to the Red Sox on Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners, per The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey. Cora noted Paxton will join the team on Sunday.

The Red Sox had a hole in their starting rotation for Monday’s series opener against the Mariners, but Nick Pivetta, who originally was slated to start Tuesday, will fill that spot now. Cooper Criswell most likely would have started Monday if the Red Sox hadn’t acquired Paxton. Criswell, who tossed a career-high seven scoreless innings in his last start against the Colorado Rockies, will be moved to Boston’s struggling bullpen.

Paxton will face the Mariners with plenty of rest under his belt. The 35-year-old last pitched July 21 versus the Red Sox as he went five innings, allowing three runs on four hits with four walks and seven strikeouts in his final outing with the Dodgers.

Paxton on the season owns an 8-2 record with a 4.43 ERA and a 1.455 WHIP in 18 starts. He struggled with his control this season, issuing 48 walks — tied for the National League lead — in 89 1/3 innings while only striking out 64 batters.

The Red Sox will look to get the best out of Paxton, though, as he gets the chance to help Boston in its playoff push.