Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton is being designated for assignment ahead of Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow’s returns, per FanSided’s Robert Murray.
Paxton, who joined the Dodgers ahead of the 2024 season, has 64 strikeouts, a 4.43 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP, posting an 8-2 record in 18 starts for Los Angeles.
The move comes as two of the Dodgers’ best arms are set to make their returns from injury. Both Glasnow and Kershaw are set to return to the mound this week against the San Francisco Giants.
The decision to designate Paxton for assignment also comes after the Dodgers called up top prospect River Ryan, who will make his debut on Monday. Moving Paxton off the roster gives the team an additional active roster spot with Ryan joining the team and Glasnow and Kershaw returning.
Los Angeles has struggled to keep its rotation healthy, but it is now trending in a positive direction. Kershaw will make his season debut this week after undergoing shoulder surgery last November while Glasnow will be back on the bump for the first time since early July as the ace has been dealing with back issues.
Even with the injuries, the Dodgers hold the top spot in the NL West at 59-41, and the return of Kershaw and Glasnow could help them have a second-half surge.
As for Paxton, it would be surprising to see the 35-year-old go unsigned for very long. A handful of teams are looking to add talent to the rotation, and Paxton could be an easy pickup as he would only be due the prorated portion of his $7 million salary for the 2024 season.
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