Mariners pitcher James Paxton allowed one run during his third rehab start Sunday.
Paxton threw 78 pitches over 4 1/3 innings. He struck out five and walked three during the outing. Paxton said he felt no pain during the outing. He said the control problems came from his inability to spot his fastball. "I’m still missing down with my fastball," he said." The breaking stuff felt really good, curveball and cutter felt really good. My change-up was good. It’s just finding the release point with my fastball." Despite that, Paxton said the start was "a good step forward."
Paxton will rejoin the major-league club and plans to throw a bullpen session during the week. If that goes well, he could return to the fifth spot in the team's rotation.