James Paxton Injury: Red Sox Pitcher Exits In First Inning Vs. Astros

BOSTON — The pitching staff of the Boston Red Sox seems to have been dealt another blow.

Veteran right-hander James Paxton had to be helped off the field just five pitches into his start against the Houston Astros on Sunday afternoon. Paxton seemed to injure his right leg/ankle after he stepped awkwardly in an attempt to leave the mound and run to cover first base.

Paxton did so after Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez hit a ground ball to Red Sox first baseman Dominic Smith.

You can watch the play here:

Paxton recorded just two outs in the series finale at Fenway Park. He got Houston’s Alex Bregman to ground into a double play after Jose Altuve hit a leadoff single.

Right-handed reliever Lucas Sims took over for Paxton and recorded an inning-ending ground ball.

Paxton was acquired by the Red Sox ahead of the MLB trade deadline. He entered Sunday after he recorded a 4.35 ERA in 10 1/3 innings (two starts). Red Sox manager Alex Cora spoke highly of Paxton before Sunday’s contest.