Red Sox Reveal Why James Paxton Exited After Five Pitches Vs. Astros

The Red Sox recently received positive developments on the health front, as Triston Casas, Trevor Story and Liam Hendriks all are faring well in their respective rehabs.

But on Sunday afternoon, the injury bug came back for Boston.

James Paxton exited the Red Sox’s series finale against the Astros after only five pitches at Fenway Park. After recording the first two outs of the first inning, Paxton came up lame when he tried to run over to the right side to cover first base. The 35-year-old fell to his knee in pain and didn’t put any pressure on his right leg as he hobbled off the field alongside a trainer, manager Alex Cora and pitching coach Andrew Bailey.

A few innings later, NESN’s Jahmai Webster cited an official update from the Red Sox when he revealed Paxton sustained a right calf strain.

Paxton’s injury obviously is a tough break for Boston. Craig Breslow and company sought out the veteran southpaw before the MLB trade deadline when the club was looking to improve its starting rotation. Paxton impressed in his last outing going into Sunday, too, limiting a potent Royals lineup to two runs over six innings in Kansas City on Monday.

Paxton also went down mere days after the Red Sox decided to push back the next start for Nick Pivetta, who originally was supposed to toe the rubber Saturday. All told, Boston’s rotation definitely has seen better days.