James Paxton took the mound on Friday night against the Cincinnati Reds and put together one of his shortest and most difficult starts of the season.
Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts pulled Paxton after 4.2 innings, and he ended up allowing five total runs in what was the first loss of a sweep to the below .500 Reds. Paxton had been solid up until Friday, limiting damage well despite high hit and walk totals.
Even though it was a shorter start in terms of innings, it wasn’t by means of pitch count. Paxton tossed 95 pitches on Friday, two away from tying his season-high.
Paxton will be back on the mound on Wednesday against the New York Mets as the Dodgers have opted not to use a bullpen game.
Paxton will be only the third Dodgers pitcher this season to start on traditional rest, but he’s ok with the decision and it won’t happen often, according to Bill Plunkett of The O.C. Register:
“It’s not going to be commonplace,” Roberts said. “I think he’ll get six days’ rest (before his next start). But just the next one (on Wednesday), it makes the most sense for everyone, and he’s on board.”
Gavin Stone and Tyler Glasnow — on five days rest — take the first two starts of the Mets series, meaning the Dodgers are still going in their regular order. But the schedule worked out to where Paxton is the one that has to pitch on four days rest.
Paxton appears more than ready for the task, especially as he likely wants a chance at redemption after a difficult start on Friday. As a one-time option, Paxton going on four days rest could be a way for him to turn the page quicker and get back into his usual rhythm.
Bobby Miller and Evan Phillips began rehab assignments for Dodgersjoined Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday for the start of respective rehab assignments.
Miller started the game for the Quakes and endured some struggles as he allowed three runs on four hits over three innings of work. The right-hander also issued two walks but collected four strikeouts.
Miller retired the side in order in the first inning before running into some trouble in the second. He worked around a walk in the third inning.
Meanwhile, Phillips enjoyed a successful appearance as he struck out a pair and retired the side in order in the fourth inning.
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