Mariners: James Paxton reportedly requires Tommy John surgery

James Paxton’s season may already be over, after a report indicated the Mariners pitcher has been advised to undergo Tommy John surgery.

There is every chance James Paxton will not return to the mound this season, at least according to a report from Jon Heyman of MLB Network. Heyman writes that Tommy John surgery has been recommended to the Mariners pitcher.

Rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery usually takes about a year. However, in some case it can take as long as two years for an athlete to return to their previous level of ability.

It should be noted Paxton is currently seeking a second opinion, which is understandable. However, while nothing has officially been confirmed yet, the outlook doesn’t appear promising.

“The Big Maple” suffered the injury during his first start of the season for the Mariners, on Tuesday night. He was only able to complete 1.1 innings before leaving the game versus the Chicago White Sox.

At the time the injury was described as a left forearm strain and Paxton was placed on the 10-day injured list. As you would expect, there was reference to last year, when he missing most of the season with a flexor tendon strain.

If nothing else, the 2010 fourth round draft pick seemed hopeful it was nothing serious. Speaking to the media after the game, he said:

“There was a lot more pain than there is right now, so I’m feeling pretty optimistic that this could be a pretty quick thing. Obviously (though), I don’t know much right now.”

Whatever the outcome of the second opinion, it’s tough not to feel bad for Paxton. He is a consummate professional who does everything the right way; unfortunately though, some athletes are just injury-prone.

Despite the 32-year-old’s history of durability issues, there was a lot of excitement surrounding his return to Seattle. His talent was unquestioned, with him also set to take on a leadership role for the youthful roster.

The excitement only increased when Paxton had an excellent spring training, albeit only appearing in two Cactus League games. And while some questioned — or worried about — the decision to move him back from second to fifth in the starting rotation, the signs were encouraging for a return to his old form.

Prior to his injury last year, the southpaw had 20, 24, 28 and 29 starts respectively between 2016-19. Further, he proved his ability to perform in the pressure cooker that is New York, including during the postseason.

Ultimately though, the high hopes appear to have been unfounded. Assuming Paxton’s season is indeed over, questions will now turn to what the future holds for him.

The Ladner, British Columbia native took a gamble on himself and only signed a one-year deal with the Mariners, Now he will be looking for another contract whenever he returns, without the backing of a fully productive season.

It will be interesting to find out if the Mariners would be prepared to offer Paxton another chance next year, or decide to move on without him. While he deserves another chance to pitch somewhere in the Majors, doubts about his health and fitness will only continue to linger.

What would you do in the Mariners’ position, if Paxton does indeed undergo Tommy John surgery? Would you offer him another contract for next year, or move on to other pitching options? Let us know in the comments section below.