The Mariners Thursday recalled James Paxton from his rehab at AAA Tacoma and designated LHP Wade LeBlanc for assignment. Paxton, coming off the 15-day disabled list, will be Seattle’s starting pitcher Thursday night when the club begins a four-game series against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field.
The 27-year-old Paxton made one rehab start with the Rainiers, striking out three in three scoreless innings vs. Las Vegas.
The left-hander was removed from his last MLB start, Aug. 7 vs. the Angels, after he was struck near his left elbow by a line drive in the top of the ninth inning.
Paxton is 4-5 with a 3.53 ERA with 73 strikeouts and 18 walks in 13 starts this season. Since he was called up from Tacoma June 1, Paxton has posted seven quality starts and has three outings of at least eight innings pitched and two or fewer runs allowed, including his past two starts.
LeBlanc, 32, went 3-0 with one save and a 4.50 ERA in 11 games, including eight starts. The Mariners acquired LeBlanc from Toronto June 22 in exchange for a player to be named later or cash. Seattle has 10 days to trade, release or outright LeBlanc’s contract to the minors.
Paxton will oppose RHP Anthony Ranaudo (1-1, 9.42) in the 5:10 p.m. PT first game of the White Sox series.