While the Yankees will likely be without lefty James Paxton for some time, the club nevertheless received some good news about his long-term health on Friday. Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Yankees' James Paxton likely headed to IL, but no Tommy John needed

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 8/21/20

While the New York Yankees will likely be without lefty James Paxton for some time, the club nevertheless received some good news about his long-term health on Friday.

MLB insider Jon Heyman tweeted that the 31-year-old southpaw, who complained of forearm discomfort after Thursday's outing versus the Tampa Bay Rays, won't require Tommy John surgery:

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 Yankees officially diagnosed him with a strained flexor that should send him to the injured list for at least a 10-day stint:

Paxton official diagnosis: strained flexor. Still, a likely IL situation
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 21, 2020

August has been a brutal month for the Bronx Bombers health-wise, as Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and DJ LeMahieu are all currently sidelined. Per ESPN, shortstop Gleyber Torres left Thursday's game after he hurt his left hamstring in the bottom of the third inning.

The pandemic-shortened campaign wasn't particularly kind to Paxton before the setback. In five appearances, he tallied a 6.64 ERA and a 1-1 record.

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