Veteran left-hander James Paxton, acquired by the Boston Red Sox in a trade last month, is facing a setback with a partially torn right calf muscle that may sideline him for the rest of the 2024 season. Paxton expressed his determination to undergo rehab in hopes of returning to the rotation before the season concludes. The Red Sox had already placed him on the injured list earlier this week.
The 35-year-old pitcher was traded from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Red Sox on July 26 in exchange for minor-league infielder Moises Bolivar. Paxton made three starts for Boston, posting a 4.09 ERA and 3.27 FIP. Prior to joining the Red Sox, he had a 4.43 ERA and 4.99 FIP in 18 starts for the Dodgers this season. His absence leaves a void in the Boston rotation, which was already dealing with injuries. Paxton, who also played for the Red Sox in 2023, is currently on a one-year, $7 million contract and is set to become a free agent in the upcoming offseason.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox are currently third in the American League East with a record of 62-55, trailing the division-leading Baltimore Orioles by seven games. They are also two games behind the Kansas City Royals for the final wild-card spot in the AL.