Yankees' James Paxton at 'full strength' after back surgery

The New York Yankees expected pitcher James Paxton to miss the start of the 2020 season after having back surgery. Now that the campaign is delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, it looks like the Yankees will have Paxton fully healthy after all. 

"I think I've thrown probably 12, 14 bullpens," Paxton told the YES Network on Friday, according to ESPN. "It's my back feeling really good. My back is a non-issue. I feel totally healthy, so I'll be ready to go as soon as the season comes about. ... I think I'm back to full strength."

Paxton underwent a microscopic lumbar discectomy in February to repair a herniated disk and remove a peridiscal cyst. There's no telling how the 31-year-old may do in 2020 after back surgery, but he had a successful 2019 campaign going 15-6 with a 3.82 ERA, 186 strikeouts and a 1.28 WHIP. 

While he's had a solid career in Major League Baseball, Paxton has been on the injured list eight times since 2014. He missed time with New York last season with left knee inflammation and a sore glute. He's also no stranger to back injuries, in 2018 a back injury sent him to the disabled list. 

The Yankees likely will remain on the cautious side with the left hander throughout a shortened season. Paxton's health is extremely important to the Yankees in 2020 because Luis Severino will miss the entire season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. If and when the season begins, it looks like Paxton will slot in as the team's No. 3 starter behind Gerrit Cole and Masahiro Tanaka.