SEATTLE -- The reports are good on left-hander James Paxton, who competed for the fifth spot in the rotation but was sent to Triple-A Tacoma after a rough Spring Training.
Paxton, who made 13 starts in each of the past two seasons with the Mariners but had both campaigns interrupted because of various nagging injuries, hasn't given up an earned run or issued a walk in his past 11 1/3 innings over two starts for Tacoma.
On Monday night, he struck out eight in 5 1/3 innings and lowered his ERA to 4.08. Paxton had walked nine batters in his first 6 1/3 innings for Tacoma.
"His last couple of games have been very good, which is great for him to get his confidence going and getting all of his pitches working, and really going after it in the strike zone," manager Scott Servais said. "That's been the biggest thing. He's throwing strikes.
"I'm glad to see he's doing well. Good for him, good for us."