Red Sox News: James Paxton injury deals major blow to Boston's bullpen

James Paxton had hoped to enter the 2023 campaign with a clean bill of health, but the veteran pitcher exited his Grapefruit League debut with a hamstring injury.

The 34-year-old's injury, while disappointing, seemed almost inevitable at this point, as he has struggled to remain on the field.

"James Paxton Suffers Hamstring Strain, Unlikely To Make Opening Day Roster" - MLB Trade Rumors

The news is devastating for both the Boston Red Sox and Paxton himself, as he has rarely found himself healthy enough to pitch in the MLB in recent years.

Dating back to the beginning of the 2020 season, Paxton has logged just 21.66 innings. His 2021 season was limited to just one start, after which he had Tommy John surgery.

“This is not how I wanted this to go,” said Paxton. “I wanted to go through Spring Training clean. But, you know, I can't control that. All I can control is going to work on this now and doing whatever I can to get back out there and pitch again.”

Injuries have derailed James Paxton's once-promising MLB career. Throughout his career, Paxton was an effective starter for the Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees.

Since signing with the Boston Red Sox in December 2021, the veteran has yet to take the mound.

"11.1 K/9, 3.69 xERA in last full season. Reports of a new offspeed pitch (CH). Could start 20+ games and still has less than 800 IP in #MLB career. The ceiling of James Paxton makes his SP159 ADP disrespectful." - @AhaanRungta

James Paxton's injury is another blow to an already depleted Boston Red Sox

The news that Paxton may not be ready for Opening Day is devastating for the Boston Red Sox. Paxton joins Garrett Whitlock and Brayan Bello on the IL heading into the new season.

"Nothing is set in stone, but it would not surprise me to see Whitlock, Bello and Paxton on the injured list to start the season. That would lead to a rotation of Sale, Kluber, Pivetta, Houck and Crawford until reinforcements are ready." - Ian Browne

Following the injury, the Red Sox will now rely on the rotation of Chris Sale, Corey Kluber, Nick Pivetta, Tanner Houck, and Kutter Crawford.

On paper, it is not a bad group, however, Sale and Kluber are not exactly strangers to the IL as well.