The Los Angeles Dodgers began their nine-game road trip with a 4-1 win over the Washington Nationals despite James Paxton turning in another inconsistent performance.
The left-hander allowed just one run over 4.2 innings of work, but once again dealt with a lot of traffic on the basepaths as allowed five hits and issued three walks.
Paxton admitted that he hasn’t been effective as of late but is trying to stay competitive on the mound, via SportsNet LA:
“Just grinding it out. My stuff’s not good out there right now, but I’m fighting and doing the best I can to keep us in the game.”
Paxton believes his recent struggles stem from a mechanical issue that he is hoping to correct:
“Little bit of mechanical probably, just sort of feel all around. Don’t really know where it’s at, but I’ll keep banging away at it and hopefully it comes.”
The 35-year-old is confident he will turn things around and become a more reliable starting pitcher for the Dodgers:
“Just trying to find that consistency and I’m confident it’ll get there, it’s just taking a little longer than I’d like right now.”
Paxton’s biggest issue has been his command, as evidenced by his 17 walks in 20.2 innings pitched this season. Paxton’s struggle with finding the strike zone has prevented him from pitching deep into games, having thrown five or fewer innings in three of his four starts.
On the flip side, Paxton has excelled at run prevention as he owns a solid 2.61 ERA on the year. His ability to keep the opposing team off the scoreboard has allowed the Dodgers to stay in the game as they are 3-1 when Paxton takes the mound.
Dodgers celebrated James Paxton reaching 10 years of Major League service time
After his recent start against the Minnesota Twins, Paxton reached 10 years of Major League service time, which was recognized by his Dodgers teammates.
Accruing 10 years of Major League service time is considered a significant benchmark as fewer than 10% of players in MLB history have accomplished the feat.
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