Left-hander James Paxton has certainly dealt with more than his fair share of injuries over the past several seasons.
The Boston Red Sox signed him prior to the 2022 season, giving the veteran lefty a one-year contract.
Paxton missed all of 2022, but was retained by the Red Sox over the winter.
At long last, Paxton will make his Red Sox debut as he opposes Adam Wainwright and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Many years ago, a bald eagle flew in Paxton’s direction when he was standing for the national anthem and it tried to sit on his shoulder.
To celebrate Paxton’s return, MLB posted the video of the moment the eagle landed on Paxton’s shoulder.
A little (or big) birdie told us James Paxton makes his return today. 🦅 #FlashbackFriday pic.twitter.com/r7nW35wHKR
— MLB (@MLB) May 12, 2023
Paxton appeared in just one game in 2021 for the Seattle Mariners.
However, he finally will make his Red Sox debut on Friday.
And so, the video of the eagle attempting to land on Paxton’s shoulder is the perfect way to celebrate the veteran left-hander’s return.
For his career, Paxton owns a record of 57-33 and an ERA of 3.59 over 137 appearances and 754.2 innings of work.
He also has struck out 831 batters and posted a WHIP of 1.21.
Paxton was once the ace of the Mariners, but fell on hard times when he was traded to the New York Yankees.
The Mariners picked him back up for the 2021 season, but injuries limited him to one start.
Now with the Red Sox, Paxton will look to bounce back and re-establish himself as one of the game’s premier pitchers.
The 34-year-old was drafted by the Mariners in 2010 out of the University of Kentucky.
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