The New York Yankees pitching staff is getting closer to being whole.
Left-hander James Paxton, who hasn’t pitched since May 3 because of left knee inflammation, could rejoin the rotation Wednesday for a home game against the San Diego Padres, manager Aaron Boone told reporters Monday. Paxton threw a bullpen session Sunday and was scheduled to meet with a team doctor Monday for a checkup.
“I feel like I’m ready,” Paxton told The Athletic.
Paxton is 3-2 with a 3.11 ERA in seven starts. He was acquired from Seattle in November in a trade that sent left-hander Justus Sheffield to the Mariners.
Another left-handed starter, C.C. Sabathia, could be ready for a Sunday start against the visiting Boston Red Sox, Boone said. The 38-year-old Sabathia (3-1, 3.48 ERA) was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday because of right knee inflammation.
All-Star reliever Dellin Betances, who hasn’t pitched this season because of a bone spur behind his right shoulder, threw his first bullpen session in his rehab Monday morning. He reportedly threw 25 fastballs in his first work off a mound since spring training. Boone did not give a timetable for Betances’ return, which likely will be sometime next month.
And ace Luis Severino, who hasn’t pitched this season because of a lat strain, told reporters he hasn’t felt any discomfort in the past few weeks. He said Monday he was hoping to get cleared to begin playing catch from 60 feet later Monday or Tuesday. General manager Brian Cashman said earlier this month that the team is targeting Severino to return after the All-Star break.