Kristie Ackert
TAMPA, Fla. - James Paxton will be ready to go if there is a 2020 MLB season. The Yankees lefty told YES Network's Meredith Marakovits that he has recovered from February back surgery and progressed in his rehab to the point where he would be able to pitch if the league and union are able to lay the foundation for a coronavirus-shortened season to begin in July.
"So, I'll be ready to go as soon as the season comes about," Paxton said. "I think I've thrown probably 12-14 bullpens."
Paxton has also thrown simulated innings, where hitters stood in so he can get the feel for strike zones, read their swings and practice using different pitches in different situations.
But it's no substitute for the real thing.
"I can't wait. ... I'm really excited to get back out there, feel the adrenaline, get some competition," Paxton said. "It will be great once we get going again."
Unfortunately, nobody knows if and when that will be right now.
Paxton had just begun throwing on flat ground _ at the distance of 25 feet _ when MLB suspended operations because of the global coronavirus pandemic. Friday, the league and union were expected to begin talking about the financial issues surrounding a shortened season that would likely be played without fans in the stands. The players had already agreed to a prorated salary that based on the proposed 82-game season would cut their pay almost in half. The owners, citing loss of ticket, concession and parking revenue, want the players to again cut their salaries based on "revenue." The definition of that revenue and the actual losses and earning of the teams _ 29 of which are privately owned and therefore do not have to open their books _ is a sticking point.
Even with a large hurdle to get over for a possible 2020 season, the players continue to prepare. Paxton returned to his offseason home in Wisconsin when the league shut down spring training and continued to work through his rehab without incident.
He said the back is no longer an issue.
"I have some new routines" Paxton said explaining that he uses these new exercises to keep the back loose and strong.
"Right now, it's just kind of maintenance stuff," Paxton said. "I think I'm back to full strength"
Paxton had initially been diagnosed with the issue _ a cyst on his spine _ since his last regular-season start in September. He admitted in March he had been pitching in discomfort for some time before that. Now, pain-free, Paxton is working on his pitches.
In his first season with the Yankees, Paxton went into August with a 4.72 ERA as was tinkering with his pitches, like most getting more comfortable with the lively 2019 ball.
In August, however, Paxton found something with his knuckle-curve and used it to dominate. As the usage on his curveball spiked, jumping from 12.6% in July to 24% in August and 31% in September, he won 10 consecutive starts. From August 2 to Sept. 21, Paxton pitched to a 2.25 ERA. Opponents had a .167 batting average against him in that span as he struck out 68 batters over just 60 innings pitched.
He has used this time off to tinker with his grips to try and improve on that. Specifically, he talked about his fastball grip and he's been pleased with an increased spin from the grip.
"I've heard guys say that when you tuck your thumb underneath the fastball, that's when you get the most spin, but I just have no feel for where the ball's going when it's there," said Paxton.
Tinkering with grips and pitches is something most pitchers like to do with teammates during the season, learning and getting feedback from each other. These days, Paxton said the Yankees pitchers are keeping in touch via text and conference calls.
"Seems like everyone is kind of in the same boat, just trying to stay as ready as possible for whenever something can get going," said Paxton.
Whenever that will be, however, Paxton said he will be ready.
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