The Los Angeles Dodgers cruised to a 10-3 win over the New York Mets on Wednesday in a game where James Paxton started on normal rest for the first time this season.
The left-hander was effective as he allowed only two hits and collected three strikeouts over three scoreless innings. Paxton threw just 50 pitches in the outing before he was replaced by Yohan Ramírez.
The 35-year-old understands the logic behind the move and explained that the Dodgers are being cautious with him, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I think they just want to take care of me,” Paxton said. “It’s a long-term play, keeping my innings down, giving me extra rest, especially going on regular rest for the first time, keeping the load a little lighter.”
Heading into the year, Paxton had thrown a combined 117.2 innings since 2020. He has already logged 52 innings over 10 starts this season, so it makes sense that the Dodgers want to be particularly mindful of his workload.
Although he has struggled at times with his command, Paxton is 5-0 with a 3.29 ERA, 5.36 FIP and 1.39 WHIP.
“I think the most impressive thing is he uncharacteristically has walked a lot of guys and still being able to weather those base runners and still make pitches to limit the damage,” Dodgers manager Roberts recently said.
“Not get overly frustrated to cost us a start or an outing, and to keep kind of working through it. And I think the last couple, he’s been considerably better. And that just speaks to obviously experience and maturity.”
James Paxton ‘on board’ with regular rest
Paxton pitching on regular rest won’t be the norm, but he was fine with the decision to do so against the Mets. Roberts said Paxton’s next start will likely come on six days’ rest.
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