New York Yankees starting pitcher James Paxton got some good news. Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Tommy John surgery not recommended for Yankees' James Paxton

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 8/21/20

The New York Yankees reportedly got some good news about James Paxton on Friday.

According to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, Tommy John surgery was not recommended for the injured lefthander.

Hear James Paxton got good news. No Tommy John recommended. Issue is believed to be muscular in nature. #yankees
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 21, 2020

The 31-year-old tossed five innings against the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday, walking four batters and notching eight strikeouts. He averaged 91.4 mph on his four-seam fastball while maxing out at 92.7 mph.

Paxton underwent an MRI for elbow and forearm discomfort after the game.

During spring training, Paxton underwent lumbar surgery to remove a peridiscal cyst. He completed a full rehab but hasn't been the same pitcher since.

New York has been stymied by injuries this season. The club is missing the likes of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, D.J. LeMahieu, Gleyber Torres, Kyle Higashioka, Tommy Kahnle and Luis Severino.

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