Paxton is scheduled for his spring debut next Saturday versus the Rockies, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Paxton will be the last member of the projected starting rotation to see action this spring, and he won't actually open the game versus Colorado. Rather, the 28-year-old southpaw will "piggyback" starter Yovani Gallardo, going through his full pre-game routine as if preparing to start the game but actually working in a relief capacity. Paxton is scheduled for a normal workload this spring and recently commented that he's "scheduled for 25 (spring) innings" and that he's "healthy and right on schedule."

Paxton was impressive in his first bullpen session of camp Thursday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old southpaw reportedly flashed impressive velocity during his session, an encouraging sign for a pitcher the Mariners are hoping can finally break out in 2017. Paxton has been solid over 50 major league starts across his first four seasons, going 18-15 with a 3.43 ERA. However, he's yet to surpass 121 innings or six victories in any of those campaigns, and his 20 starts in 2016 represented a career high. Paxton is currently penciled in as Seattle's third starter behind Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma heading into spring training.

Paxton agreed to a one-year deal with the Mariners on Friday, avoiding arbitration, MLB.com's Greg Johns reports.

EDGE Analysis

This was Paxton's first year as an arbitration-eligible player. The terms of the agreement were not announced. He is a trendy breakout candidate this season, as he showed velocity gains and posted a 2.80 FIP in 20 starts last season, which was not reflected in his 3.79 ERA.

Paxton (6-7) allowed three runs on six hits, struck out eight and walked one over 5.0 innings in a victory over the Astros on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Seattle's offense spotted him six runs in the first two frames, so there wasn't any real need to push Paxton on Wednesday. He threw 91 pitches, 66 of which were for strikes. In his final three outings, he posted a 11.37 K/9 rate. Overall, Paxton finishes 2016 with a 3.79 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 117 strikeouts in 121.0 innings.

Paxton allowed one run on five hits and one walk Friday with seven strikeouts in seven innings in a win at the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Better defense and Paxton might not have given up any runs. In his last three starts, Paxton has a 2.25 ERA with 19 strikeouts and two unintentional walks. Paxton's summer was interrupted by forearm tightness and then a broken fingernail, but since July 22, he's allowed two runs or less in six of 10 starts. Saturday he easily pitched in the high 90s and had excellent command of his curveball.

Paxton fell to 4-7 with Saturday's loss to the Astros, but he only allowed two runs on four hits and a walk with seven strikeouts in seven strong innings.

EDGE Analysis

Paxton was dominant and hardly allowed a baserunner apart from the sixth inning, when he allowed two runs as four men reached base before he could escape the jam. Paxton has now delivered a pair of quality starts after struggling at the start of the month, and his ERA is down to 3.88. He will next take the mound Friday versus the Twins.

Paxton took a no-decision after allowing two runs on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts in six innings during Sunday's 3-2 win over the A's.

EDGE Analysis

Paxton delivered his first quality start since August 7, but didn't factor into the decision as Seattle didn't plate the game-winning run until the ninth inning. He also got his ERA (3.97) back under four with the outing despite walking multiple batters for the first time since July 2. He'll look to build off Sunday's success when he takes on the Astros at home next Saturday,

Paxton (4-6) allowed six runs (four earned) on nine hits despite striking out eight batters in 4.1 innings in Tuesday's loss to the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Paxton's start was in jeopardy due to a torn fingernail suffered in his last start. It didn't seem like his grip was giving him too much trouble -- he was still nasty, with 15 swinging strikes powering his eight strikeouts. His defense didn't help, but Paxton was undone by a two-run homer from Jonathan Lucroy in the fifth inning, just the eighth he has allowed in 16 starts this season.

Paxton, who tested the repair nail on his middle finger Saturday in a bullpen session, is expected to make his scheduled start Tuesday against the Rangers, the Tacoma News Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Paxton tore the finger nail in his last start. Unless something crops up in the next few days it looks like he'll start Tuesday. But it wouldn't be surprising if the nail gives him trouble with his grip as he gets deeper into the game.

Paxton (finger) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Paxton had a fake fingernail put on his hand to help repair a torn nail. Saturday's bullpen session will be done to test his ability to throw following the application of his new nail. As long as the session goes well, he's expected to start Tuesday against the Rangers.