Los Angeles Dodgers president of operations Andrew Friedman has full confidence in James Paxton after signing him to a one-year contract this offseason.
He also threw his first bullpen on Saturday which reassured Friedman that the southpaw will be ready to start the season on time.
"He feels really good and strong. Obviously, we weren’t around him last season so it’s hard. It’s harder. If you’re around someone, you see how they’re recovering, the treatment they’re getting, things that we can do to help. You have a much better feel for that with someone who’s been with you before. Someone who hasn’t, it’s harder.
Paxton had Tommy John surgery in 2021, missed all of 2022 with a lat tear, and then tweaked his knee in 2023 forcing him to end his season early.
His arm is great, but it was his legs that didn't have the stamina down the stretch last season. After not pitching in over two years, he didn't have the stamina to get through it.
With the Dodgers, there are no worries.
Friedman doesn’t think Paxton will have any physical issues that will prevent him from opening the season on time.
“But he’s incredibly confident, said Friedman. We feel good about it. … He is a full go and ready to get after it and excited to be here.”
Paxton will earn a bonus if he's on the Opening Day roster either for the March 20 opener in Korea or the March 28 opener at Dodger Stadium.
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