Paxton gets closer to returning to Mariners; simulated game up next
The ongoing rehabilitation of Seattle Mariners left-hander James Paxton took another step forward over the weekend.
On Friday, Paxton threw a 45-pitch bullpen session and emerged from it saying nothing but good things.
As he told Shannon Drayer of ESPN Seattle, Paxton experienced '...no pain at all. I bounced back really well, which is really good. It's been responding really well, no lingering tightness or soreness the day after. It's all been great."
Next on Paxton's schedule is a simulated game on Tuesday in Texas ahead of the Mariners' contest with the Rangers.
Paxton's had a tough season, as a middle finger strain on his left hand has kept him out of action for most of the year. There's still hope he could return sometime in 2015, though it's by no means a 'sure thing' - something emphasized by Seattle manager Lloyd McClendon last week.
