Paxton's first rehab start cut short

James Paxton's initial Minor League rehab start with Triple-A Tacoma didn't go quite as smoothly as hoped, when the Mariners' left-hander lasted just two-thirds of an inning against Memphis on Sunday before being pulled when his pitch count reached 36.

Paxton, sidelined since May 28 with a strained tendon in his left middle finger, allowed one run on two hits, a walk and a wild pitch in the game at Cheney Stadium.

The Mariners had hoped to let Paxton throw about three innings or 45 pitches, but replaced him with Logan Bawcom when his first inning went too long.

The 26-year-old was 3-3 with a 3.70 ERA in his first 10 outings as Seattle's No. 2 starter this season before injuring his finger.

He'll likely need at least two more Minor League starts now before being ready to rejoin the Mariners in early September.