The Dodgers are parting ways with one of the most consistent players in their starting rotation.
Multiple media outlets reported Monday that Los Angeles has designated left-handed pitcher James Paxton for assignment.
The 35-year-old Paxton, who pitched for the Yankees from 2019-2020, posted a 4.43 ERA in 18 starts with 64 strikeouts and 48 walks in 89 1/3 innings.
The move surprised many, as the Canadian was one of three Dodgers pitchers to throw at least 75 innings this year.
“It was a tough decision. He handled it professionally,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Monday. “We feel good about our starting rotation going forward.”
That includes the return of several impressive starters.
All-Star and first-year Dodgers player Tyler Glasnow is scheduled to return from a back injury on Wednesday, while three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw is scheduled to make his season debut on Thursday after missing time with a shoulder injury.
The Dodgers are also giving one of the most promising young pitchers a shot at the major leagues.
River Ryan, the 25-year-old team’s fourth-ranked prospect, made his MLB debut on Monday against the Giants, pitching 5 1/3 innings, allowing one earned run and four hits.
But it would be something of a gamble for Los Angeles to move Paxton given the team’s ongoing injury issues.
High-profile player Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who signed a 12-year, $325 million contract this offseason, has not pitched since June 15 because of a shoulder injury but said he plans to pitch on Monday. I will play again this year.
Standout Walker Buehler returned from an elbow injury in May and made just eight starts before landing on the injured list again.
On top of that, flame-thrower Dustin May, who hasn’t pitched a single time in 2024, was found to have a torn esophagus and will miss the rest of the season.
Los Angeles has a 60-41 record, leads the National League West by 8.5 games and is comfortably in the playoff zone despite a lingering injury report throughout the year.
After releasing Paxton from his contract, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman will lean more heavily on higher-profile pitching talent and could take an even bigger gamble before the July 30 trade deadline.
