But even without his potent curveball and cutter, Paxton has gone 1-1 with a 1.74 ERA in three starts with the Peoria Javelinas, walking three and striking out nine in 10 1/3 innings.
Paxton, who makes his next start Friday, said Mariners executives are being extra cautious so his finger will be 100 percent when Spring Training opens in February.
"It is healing, but I don't want to put too much pressure on the inside of that nail and cause it to pop off again and end my Fall League," Paxton said. "I just want to get through as many innings as I can.