Dodgers deal James Paxton back to Red Sox for minor leaguer

The Boston Red Sox acquired left-hander James Paxton from the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor league infielder Moises Bolivar on Friday, attempting to fortify their rotation as they chase a playoff spot in a wide-open American League landscape. The deal for Paxton, 35, comes after Los Angeles designated him for assignment Monday. Paxton had thrown 89⅓ innings of 4.43 ERA ball over 18 starts this season, helping stabilize an injury-riddled rotation as he had done in 2023 with Boston. Paxton's return to the Red Sox, whom he left to sign a one-year, $7 million free agent deal with Los Angeles, gives Boston seven potential starting pitchers, with Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, Nick Pivetta, Brayan Bello, Cooper Criswell and Josh Winckowski, who is currently pitching out of the bullpen.

That’s a solid move by the Red Sox! Paxton’s experience and past performance with Boston could really help stabilize the rotation. With so many potential starters now, it’ll be interesting to see how the pitching staff shapes up.