BOSTON — Trade addition James Paxton is expected to join the Red Sox on Sunday and there’s “a chance” he will be activated before tomorrow’s series finale against the Yankees.
“If everything goes well, Pax starts on Tuesday,” manager Alex Cora said before Boston’s game Saturday.
The Red Sox will play a three-game series against the Mariners on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday here at Fenway Park. Nick Pivetta is scheduled to start Monday.
Cooper Criswell, who threw 7 scoreless innings in a start vs. the Rockies in Colorado on Tuesday, has been moved to the bullpen “starting today,” Cora said.
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Criswell should help a Sox ‘pen that has struggled since the All-Star break with Justin Slaten and Chris Martin both sidelined because of elbow inflammation.
Paxton posted a 4.50 ERA in 19 starts for Boston last season. He signed with the Dodgers this past offseason, then recorded a 4.47 ERA in 18 starts. Los Angeles designated him for assignment Monday, one day after he beat the Sox at Dodger Stadium. He has struggled with command. He’s tied for the NL lead with 48 walks.
“We didn’t want to walk out of the deadline without having added a starting pitcher,” chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said Friday.
As of now, the Red Sox starting rotation includes Paxton, Pivetta, Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford and Brayan Bello. Crawford starts Saturday here against the Yankees.
Boston is still open to adding another starting pitcher while also pursuing bullpen help. The trade deadline is Tuesday at 6 p.m.
