SEATTLE -- Mariners starter James Paxton was removed from Thursday night's game against the Indians with two outs in the top of the fifth inning because of discomfort in the middle finger on his pitching hand.
Trailing 4-1, the left-hander was pitching to Cleveland first baseman Brandon Moss and threw three pitches, all balls. After the third pitch, Paxton started wiggling his hand, prompting a visit from athletic trainer Rob Nodine. A brief mound consultation in which Nodine checked out Paxton's fingers led to an early exit from the game.
Paxton will be reevaluated on Friday, the team announced.