The “glass body” pitcher, who earned a total annual salary of 27 million dollars (approximately 36.3 billion won) by throwing only 6 games for 3 years, announced that he is healthy. Boston Red Sox left-hander James Paxton (35) struck out nine on the mound in the major leagues after returning after two years.

Paxton started the 2023 major league home game against the St. Louis Cardinals held at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, USA on the 13th (hereinafter Korean time), and pitched well with 4 hits (1 home run), 1 walk, 9 strikeouts and 2 runs in 5 innings.

Paxton, who returned after 2 years, 1 month and 5 days, 766 days in terms of days, since the Chicago White Sox match on April 7, 2021, when he was a Seattle Mariners, had a successful comeback, although the victory was blown away due to bullpen hunting.

He gave up the first run after being hit with a two-run home run by Nolan Arenado in the first inning, but struck out every inning without allowing any additional runs until the fifth inning. Up to the 5th inning, the total number of pitches was 87, with a maximum of 97.8 miles (157.4 km) and an average of 96.3 miles, four-seam fastballs (53), cutters (20), and knuckle curves (14), demonstrating power.

According to ‘MLB.com’, Paxton said after the game, “It took a long time to get here. He feels like he debuted again because it’s been such a long time. He focused on preparing for the game with tension, excitement and all emotions,” he said. The fans were fantastic. He enjoyed it,” he was delighted.

Paxton, a 193 cm left-handed fastball pitcher from Canada who made his debut in Seattle in 2013, has been consistently active with double-digit wins for three consecutive years from 2018 to 2019. In particular, he moved to the New York Yankees in 2019 and posted his personal best of 15 wins (average ERA of 3.82).

However, despite receiving an annual salary of $12.5 million from the Yankees in 2020, he only pitched in 5 games (20⅓ innings) due to the removal of a cyst on a lumbar intervertebral disc. After the season, he signed a one-year, $8.5 million free agent contract with Seattle, but was ruled out due to elbow pain after one game (1⅓ innings) and was out for the season due to Tommy John surgery.

James Paxton in Seattle. /OSEN DB

Paxton, who became a free agent again after the season, signed a 1+2 year contract with Boston. Since it is difficult to start in the first half due to elbow rehabilitation, he received an annual salary of $ 6 million in 2022, followed by a $ 26 million club option from 2023 to 2024 or a $ 4 million player option in 2023.

However, in August of last year, he suffered an injury to his lats during minor league rehabilitation and missed the entire season without appearing in the big leagues. As he turned into a glass body and cyber pitcher, he only pitched 6 games and 21⅓ innings for 3 years, but he earned a total of $27 million in annual salary during this period.

Although Boston waived its club option after the season, Paxton remained with the team as a player option. He suffered another injury due to hamstring pain during an exhibition game in March, and the season started late, but he showed the possibility of a revival in his return match after two years. Boston suffered a come-from-behind defeat, 6-8, thanks to Kenley Jansen’s 3-run blown save in the 9th inning, but Paxton’s revival was a huge gain.토토사이트

Paxton, who received congratulations from his teammates after taking the mound at the end of the fifth inning, said, “It is wonderful to be congratulated by all the players. They know what I’ve been through for a long time. It was really nice to be a part of them and pitch. I am excited to continue working with this organization,” he said, looking forward to the rest of the season.