WASHINGTON, D.C. — While the Mariners move onto Boston for the weekend, lefty James Paxton heads west in a brief detour for a rehab start Friday night for Double-A Arkansas in Little Rock.
"Just one day," he said. "I’ll be back Saturday with the team."
If all goes well Friday in Arkansas, Paxton will be activated from the disabled list in time to start May 31 or June 1 against Colorado in the opening series to an 11-game homestand.
"I’m feeling good," he said. "No problems."
Plans call for Paxton to throw 60-65 pitches over four innings Friday against Frisco (Rangers) as the final step in his recovery from a strained forearm muscle that surfaced after a May 2 start against the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field.