Mariners Weekly Rundown: Tough Times have Returned to Seattle

Jun 10, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) looks as his helmet after it flew off his head while swinging at a pitch during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 10, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) looks as his helmet after it flew off his head while swinging at a pitch during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 6, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton (65) throws against the Cleveland Indians during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton (65) throws against the Cleveland Indians during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Pax-Man was a Superhero this Week

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James Paxton was recalled by the Mariners at the end of May to take Felix Hernandez‘s place in the rotation. After a rough first outing back in the big leagues, Paxton found his groove this week. He went 0-1 but posted a sparkling 0.73 ERA across 2 starts. Pax-Man struck out 17 hitters and issued just 3 free passes through 12.1 innings pitched.

The Ladner, BC product overhauled his mechanics this offseason, and the results have been extremely encouraging. After pitching well down the road in Tacoma, Paxton has been lighting up the radar gun since rejoining the Mariners. He has always been a hard thrower, but James’ heater has been constantly flirting with triple digits in each of starts with Seattle in 2016. It’s definitely been fun to watch.

Next: What's Going on with Guti?