Paxton (1-0) pitched seven scoreless innings while allowing just four hits and two walks while striking out eight batters during Monday's 6-0 win over Houston.
Considering the Astros are an admirable opponent -- especially against left-handed hurlers -- this was an impressive followup to his solid first outing. Paxton has now pitched 13 scoreless innings with a 0.69 WHIP and 13 strikeouts. He dominated his final 11 starts of 2016 with a 9.44 K/9 (26.1 percent strikeout rate), 3.19 ERA (2.45 FIP) and 1.05 WHIP through 67.2 innings, and it appears the promising lefty is picking up exactly where he left off. Paxton's fantasy stock is rising quickly.