Red Sox LHP James Paxton to retire at end of season

Field Level Media|published: Thu 12th September, 10:32 2024

Aug 11, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher James Paxton (65) pitches against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Boston Red Sox left-hander James Paxton announced he will retire at the conclusion of this season.

Paxton, 35, made three starts for the Red Sox following a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 26. The British Columbia native has been on the injured list since Aug. 12, one day after he sustained a strained right calf while attempting to cover first base in a game against the Houston Astros.

"I'm hoping that we can squeak into the postseason and I can get the opportunity to pitch again," Paxton said on the "Baseball Isn't Boring" podcast with host Rob Bradford on Wednesday. "But I think after this season (I'm) going to be retiring and moving on to the next chapter.

"It was tough. Obviously, I think that I can still do it. I can still go out there and compete and help a team win. But I just think with where my family's at and what they need right now, they need me home, and I feel a duty and a responsibility to be at home with my family. And I'm looking forward to being at home with my family and spending more time with them, too."

Paxton is 9-3 with a 4.40 ERA in 21 starts this season with the Dodgers and Red Sox.

He is a 73-41 with a 3.77 ERA in 177 career starts for the Seattle Mariners (2013-18, 2021), New York Yankees (2019-20), Red Sox (2023, 2024) and Dodgers (2024).

--Field Level Media

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