Red Sox's James Paxton: Shipping back up to Boston
Rotowire
The Red Sox acquired Paxton from the Dodgers on Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
It was reported earlier Friday that the Red Sox and Dodgers were in talks regarding the left-hander, and the deal now appears done. There's no word yet on what the Dodgers will be getting in the trade. Paxton's swing-and-miss stuff has disappeared this season, as he's managed just 64 strikeouts over 89.1 innings with the Dodgers. However, he fanned 101 in 96 frames with the Red Sox just last season and a return to the state of Massachusetts could help him recapture some of that.
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Dodgers' James Paxton: Could return to Boston
Rotowire
The Red Sox are in talks to acquire Paxton from the Dodgers, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.
Boston was immediately linked to Paxton after the left-hander was designated for assignment by the Dodgers and it sounds like a trade could come together soon. Paxton has collected an underwhelming 4.43 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 64:48 K:BB in 89.1 innings over 18 starts this season, but he did post a 101:33 K:BB across 96 frames in 2023 with the Red Sox.
The Dodgers designated Paxton for assignment Monday.
In a corresponding move, the Dodgers selected the contract of right-hander River Ryan, who will start or serve as a bulk reliever in Monday's game against the Giants. With Ryan at least temporarily joining the big-league rotation and Tyler Glasnow (back) and Clayton Kershaw (shoulder) due back from the injured list later this week, Los Angeles didn't have a spot available for Paxton, who went 8-2 with a 4.43 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 64:48 K:BB in 89.1 innings over 18 starts this season. Now that he's off the 40-man roster, the team will have 10 days to trade or waive Paxton, who is under contract on a one-year, $7 million deal. If the Dodgers can't execute a trade for him or if he clears waivers, the 35-year-old Paxton will likely elect free agency and look to sign elsewhere.
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Dodgers' James Paxton: Time in L.A. coming to end
Rotowire
The Dodgers are expected to designate Paxton for assignment Monday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.
Look for the Dodgers to make the transaction shortly before Monday's game against the Giants, with right-hander River Ryan set to be added to the 40-man roster ahead of what would be his MLB debut. Along with the addition of Ryan, the Dodgers are set to get Tyler Glasnow (back) and Clayton Kershaw (shoulder) back from the injured list later this week, leaving no room in the rotation for Paxton. Though he has a lengthy injury history, the southpaw hasn't missed a start this season, but his performance has taken a step backward in his age-35 campaign. While he's kept his fantasy value afloat by picking up eight wins in 18 outings, Paxton has supported the win total with a middling 4.43 ERA and 1.46 WHIP, and he's seen his strikeout rate drop precipitously (career-worst 16.4 percent). If the Dodgers aren't able to find a taker for Paxton via trade or waivers, expect him to become a free agent and catch on with another organization on a low-cost, one-year deal.
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Dodgers' James Paxton: Picks up eighth win
Rotowire
Paxton (8-2) earned the win Sunday over the Red Sox, allowing three runs on four hits and four walks while striking out seven over five innings.
Paxton served up a two-run homer to Jarren Duran on just the third pitch of the game but was able to settle in from there and hold the Red Sox scoreless until the sixth inning. Control issues remain an issue for Paxton, as he's issued 15 walks and given up 17 runs over his last 22.2 innings. For the year, the 35-year-old owns a 4.43 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 64:48 K:BB in 89.1 innings. He lines up to face the Astros on the road over the weekend.
Dodgers' James Paxton: Struggles early in no-decision
Rotowire
Paxton did not factor into the decision in Friday's 4-3 win against the Tigers, allowing three runs on five hits and four walks with one strikeout over 3.2 innings.
Paxton yielded three runs over the first two innings and was pulled with two outs in the fourth at 81 pitches. The southpaw's velocity was over one mph below his season averages on all of his offerings, and he has now failed to pitch beyond the fifth inning in each of his past four outings. He will take a 4.38 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 57:44 K:BB across 84.1 innings into the All-Star break.
