Former New York Yankees left-hander James Paxton is being recognized on his birthday, with the club highlighting his tenure in pinstripes. Paxton, who wore number 65, made his Yankees debut in 2020 after being acquired from the Seattle Mariners in a November 2018 trade.
The Canadian-born pitcher appeared in five games for New York during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, posting a 6.64 ERA over 20.1 innings. His final appearance came on August 20, 2020, at Yankee Stadium against the Tampa Bay Rays, a game the Rays won 10-5.
Paxton's Yankees career was limited by injuries, including a flexor strain and subsequent Tommy John surgery that ended his 2021 season before it began. He signed with the Boston Red Sox as a free agent following the 2021 campaign.
Known as "The Big Maple" for his Canadian roots and imposing 6-foot-4 frame, Paxton previously earned All-Star honors with Seattle in 2018 and threw a no-hitter against the Blue Jays in Toronto that same season.
