James Paxton, a starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is being designated for assignment as the team prepares for the return of Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow. Paxton, who joined the Dodgers for the 2024 season, has a record of 8-2 with a 4.43 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 18 starts.
The move to designate Paxton comes as Kershaw and Glasnow are set to return from their injuries. Kershaw will make his season debut after recovering from shoulder surgery, and Glasnow will return from back issues. Their return is expected to strengthen the Dodgers’ rotation.
Additionally, the Dodgers have called up top prospect River Ryan, who will make his MLB debut on Monday. To accommodate Ryan and the returning pitchers, Paxton is being removed from the roster to create space.
The Dodgers have struggled with rotation health but are in a strong position, leading the NL West with a 59-41 record. The return of Kershaw and Glasnow could provide a significant boost for the team’s performance in the second half of the season.
Paxton, 35, is expected to find a new team quickly. Given his performance and the relatively low cost of the prorated portion of his $7 million salary for the season, he is likely to attract interest from other clubs seeking to improve their pitching depth.
