Paxton undergoes back surgery, out three to four months

North Delta Blue Jays alum James Paxton (Ladner, B.C.) will miss three to four months after undergoing back surgery. Photo: USA Today Sports

February 5, 2020

By Lukas Weese

Canadian Baseball Network

Canadian left-hander James Paxton will be out three to four months after undergoing back surgery on Wednesday.

The New York Yankees announced earlier today that the Ladner, B.C., native underwent a microscopic lumbar discectomy which included the removal of a peridiscal cyst. The procedure was done by Dr. Andrew Dossett in Dallas.

As a result of the surgery, the Canuck lefty will not be making his 2020 debut until May or June.

Paxton, 31, has been hampered by injuries throughout his seven-year big league career. The 6-foot-4 southpaw has never registered 30 starts in a season.

While with the Seattle Mariners, Paxton missed time due to injuries to his left elbow, left forearm (twice), left pectoral muscle and lower back. On May 3, 2019, Paxton had to leave the game in a Yankees’ 6-3 win over the Minnesota Twins due to knee discomfort.

In 2019, Paxton went 15-6 with a 3.82 ERA, striking out 186 batters in 150 2/3 innings. He pitched in his first three postseason games for the Yankees last season, including a six-inning, nine-strikeout performance to earn his first playoff win in Game 5 of the ALCS.

In December, Paxton was named the Canadian Baseball Network’s Pitcher of the Decade for the 2010’s. He became the first Canadian pitcher to throw a no-hitter on home soil when he completed the feat at Rogers Centre against the Toronto Blue Jays on May 8, 2018.

Paxton is a proud alumnus of the North Delta Blue Jays of the British Columbia Premier Baseball League.