Paxton allowed just two runs with a pair of strikeouts and one walk across eight strong innings in Thursday's start versus the Royals. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Paxton was remarkably efficient, as he needed just 78 pitches to get through eight frames, throwing 53 for strikes. He ran into a bit of trouble in the eighth and allowed a pair of runs that tied the game before being removed at the start of the next inning, tarnishing what could have been an even better start. Thursday's events were still encouraging, and Paxton will carry a 3.91 ERA into his next start after the All-Star break.