Paxton threw a two-inning sim game Sunday, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

On the second day of team workouts, Paxton threw to teammates Gary Sanchez, Miguel Andujar and Tyler Wade, striking out each batter at least once. The outing -- Paxton's first on a dirt mound since undergoing back surgery in February -- is another indication that the southpaw is good to go heading into the regular season. "Felt good, felt healthy," Paxton declared. "It was a good first step for me."

General manager Brian Cashman said Tuesday that Paxton "has recovered" from back surgery and "appears game ready," Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

It sounds like Paxton will enter summer camp without any major restrictions after undergoing a microscopic lumbar discectomy in early February. This is not a huge surprise as the lefty was said to be back to full strength more than a month ago, though it's still nice to get confirmation. Hopefully we will get word from the Yankees as to how deep into games they will allow their starters to go the first few times through the rotation.

Paxton will be ready to go when the 2020 season begins and is working on increasing the spin rate on his fastball, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Paxton indicated that he has thrown 12-14 bullpen sessions since beginning his recovery from February back surgery and confirmed that he will be "ready to go as soon as the season comes about." Some of Paxton's bullpens have included simulated innings with batters standing in so that the southpaw can gain a feel for the strike zone, according to Ackert. Paxton also indicated that he is experimenting with his fastball grip in an effort to increase his spin rate. With the back issue now behind him, Paxton should slot into the No. 2 or No. 3 spot in the Yankees' Opening Day rotation.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed Thursday that Paxton (back) has been throwing simulated innings this month, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cashman's comments essentially align with what manager Aaron Boone said last week regarding where Paxton stands in his recovery from a February procedure to remove a peridiscal cyst on his back. Boone suggested that Paxton would be fully recovered from the procedure by mid-May, so the lefty may only need to complete another simulated game or two before doctors give him full clearance. Assuming Paxton avoids any further setbacks between now and the time the season begins, he'll likely be lined up to start the Yankees' second or third game behind ace Gerrit Cole.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday in an appearance on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM that Paxton (back) is expected to be fully recovered from his microscopic lumbar discectomy by "mid-May."

EDGE Analysis

Paxton had already been making rapid progress during spring training after requiring the procedure in early February to remove a peridiscal cyst, and MLB's ongoing hiatus has only provided more time for him to heal up without having to miss any game action. After checking out fine following five bullpen sessions, Paxton was cleared to pitch a simulated game Monday, which likely marks one of the final checkpoints he'll need to clear in the recovery process. He should be a part of the Yankees' Opening Day rotation and face no workload restrictions whenever the season resumes.

Paxton (back) recently completed his fifth bullpen session since resuming a throwing program in March, Brendan Kuty of NorthJersey.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided a positive update about Paxton on Thursday, indicating that he's "really encouraged" by the southpaw's progress and that the recovery process from February back surgery has "gone pretty smoothly." Paxton remains on track to be ready to pitch in games by late May or early June barring any setbacks.

Paxton (back) is expected to be able to pitch "right away" if there is a 2020 season, Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Paxton has been following a throwing program at home throughout MLB's hiatus, and the delayed start to the campaign has likely wiped away the portion of the regular season that was originally slated to be a recovery period for the left-hander. Though Paxton has not yet been deemed fully recovered, he appears to be a strong bet for the No. 2 spot in the Yankees' rotation come Opening Day.

The Yankees feel good about Paxton's rehab from lower spinal surgery, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

EDGE Analysis

He has been continuing a throwing program in his home state of Wisconsin and we have been receiving updates roughly every week that he is trending in the right direction. Paxton will need some sort of setting to build up before he would be ready to start a major-league game, but it seems he may have enough time to catch up to the rest of the Yankees' starters.

Paxton (back) has been throwing in his home state of Wisconsin, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Paxton had back surgery in early February and was initially expected to miss the beginning portion of the regular season. He has indicated that he could be ready to pitch in games as early as mid-May, which is supported by the fact that he has resumed throwing. With the regular season postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it's well within reason to believe Paxton could occupy a spot in the rotation come Opening Day.

Paxton (back) could be ready to return to the mound by the beginning of the regular season, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Paxton underwent a microscopic lumbar discectomy to remove a peridiscal cyst in early February and was expected to be out 3-4 months. The southpaw has been ramping up his activity of late, culminating in a throwing session last week. That bodes well for his return at the early end of the recovery timeline, which would enable him to return by early May. With MLB's announcement Monday that Opening Day will not take place for at least eight weeks, Paxton certainly has a chance to be part of the Yankees' rotation when the regular season begins.