Yankees left-hander James Paxton said he felt some discomfort in his left knee during an extended spring training start Friday.
The 30-year-old veteran, who hasn't pitched since May 3 because of inflammation around his MCL, pitched four innings in the outing, striking out seven and giving up only one hit.
“I felt it a little bit, but I still was able to make my pitches, which is what I wanted to see,’’ Paxton said (via the AP). “If I come in (Saturday) with more pain than I had walking in today, then we’ll have to do something. But if I come in (Saturday) and it feels the same as it did walking in today, then that’s just how I’m going to have to pitch for right now.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Friday night that the club would know more Saturday about Paxton's condition. Paxton had a cortisone shot May 4.
“The reports were that he threw the ball really well. Stuff was good, execution was good," Boone said. "Threw almost 60 pitches. I spoke with him, actually a little while ago. Still had a little discomfort in there, but he was able to execute his pitches.
"What we’ve seen in his bullpens, he’s been throwing the ball well, it’s coming out well. So, the big thing for Pax is going to be tomorrow. How does he come in? How does he respond to going out there and throwing all his pitches?"
What happens if Paxton is still hurting Saturday?
“I’m not sure,’’ Boone said. “Those are conversations we’d have at that point.”
Paxton is 3-2 with a 3.11 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in seven starts.
The Yankees' starting rotation has been just as banged up as the rest of the club this year. Ace Luis Severino has been sidelined all season with arm troubles, and the team put veteran CC Sabathia (knee) on the injured list Thursday. Despite all the injuries, the Yankees are a surprising 32-17 and lead the Rays by 2 1/2 games in the AL East.