Red Sox James Paxton Diagnosed With Partially Torn Calf

The Boston Red Sox (62-55) continue to be bitten by the injury bug. Having lost numerous stars throughout the season, another one may be done for the season after the latest diagnosis. The Red Sox and James Paxton announced on Tuesday that the veteran starter has been diagnosed with a partially torn right calf.

After leaving his Sunday start having only thrown five pitches , the Red Sox placed Paxton, 35, on the 15-day injured list on Monday with a calf strain. A strain indicates that there is tearing or stretching, so the announcement today does not come as a surprise.

Manager Alex Cora told reporters that Paxton is a "long shot" to return in 2024. He said that Cooper Criswell will fill in as the fifth starter in the rotation when he becomes healthy.

Paxton and the Red Sox are both aware that this diagnosis likely means that he is done for the season. Despite this, Paxton told reporters that he will still try to rehab in an effort to make it back for the season is over.

The Red Sox acquired Paxton from the Los Angeles Dodgers (70-49) via trade on July 26th of this season for Moises Bolivar . Paxton is in his second stint with the Red Sox.

For his career, Paxton has a 3.77 ERA across 951 innings in 177 starts with 1,005 strikeouts and a 110 ERA+. As a member of the Boston Red Sox, Paxton holds a 4.46 ERA across 107 innings in 22 starts with 110 strikeouts and a 102 ERA+.