Mariners News: Updating the M’s Prospects in the AFL

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May 12, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher James Paxton (65) throws against the San Diego Padres during the sixth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

James Paxton – LHP

The 26-year-old Ladner, BC product is amongst the older participants in the AFL. James Paxton is also one of the few players with multiple years of big league experience. Injuries derailed his 2015 season, and Pax-Man is in Arizona hoping to tack on a few innings before shutting it down for the winter.

Paxton is doing a pretty nice job against the weaker competition, going 1-1 with a 1.74 ERA through his first three starts. He has fanned 9 and walked 3 while allowing a pair runs on 12 hits across 10.1 innings. I’m sure he will attempt to allow fewer baserunners in the coming weeks, as he currently sports a 1.45 WHIP.

Many expected James Paxton to play a big role this past season with Seattle, but a strained middle finger tendon in his throwing hand killed those dreams. Paxton finished the year with a 3-4 record and a 3.90 ERA through 13 outings. 2015 was the second consecutive year he was limited to just 13 starts. Keeping Pax-Man healthy next season will be key to the M’s success.

Next: Peterson is Finding his Swing

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