Red Sox Insider Gives Positive Update On Pitcher After Suffering Spring Training Setback

One key Red Sox hurler should be back on the mound very soon

The Boston Red Sox already are dealing with a plethora of injuries. 

Boston entered spring training with a surplus of starting pitching and will likely head into Opening Day with three potential starters dealing with various injuries. Young hurler Brayan Bello was the first to be bitten by the injury bug, followed by Garrett Whitlock, and finally left-handed hurler James Paxton. 

Although none of the injuries should keep Boston's pitchers out for too long, there's a chance that they might not be ready for Opening Day. The Red Sox have gotten some good news though as Paxton reportedly will throw off of a mound within the next week if there are no further setbacks, according to WEEI's Rob Bradford. 

James Paxton still progressing well. Probably will throw off mound in about a week. pic.twitter.com/9YL2BhckHX

— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) March 9, 2023

Paxton made his first start in almost two years for Boston in Grapefruit League action on March 3rd and looked sharp, but suffered a hamstring injury during the contest. The 34-year-old has appeared in just six games since the start of the 2020 season as he's dealt with injuries, including a torn UCL in his throwing arm which needed Tommy John Surgery. 

The Big Maple finally returned as Boston took on the Minnesota Twins and pitched 1 2/3 innings before tweaking his hamstring but looked impressive. He didn't allow a run and his fastball sat between 92-94 mph with his top pitch landing at 95 mph. Paxton's curveball was on point and he struck out star shortstop Carlos Correa. 

There's no way for sure to know what his role will be with the club in 2023, but if Paxton can return to the mound soon, it could only help Boston moving forward.

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