Paxton (3-5) threw five innings of three-run ball while allowing six hits and a walk and striking out six, but took the loss as opposing starter Gerrit Cole threw a CG.

EDGE Analysis

Although the final score was Pirates 10, Mariners 1, Paxton did his best to keep the game close, and it wasn't until Paxton was yanked that the Pirates broke the game wide open. Paxton continued to flash his newfound velocity, his fastball averaging a blazing 97 mph this season, best of any left-handed starter. But the six strikeouts in five innings were actually better than his season-long rate of 8.4 K:9. He also continued to pound the strike zone, issuing just his 17th free pass of the season in 11 starts. With only 5 home runs allowed on the season, the only explanation for his mediocre 4.27 ERA is his opponent's batting average on balls in play, which sits at .374, the fifth highest in the MLB among pitchers with at least 60 innings pitched.

Paxton (3-4) struck out nine Blue Jays while giving up just one earned run on three hits and a walk over seven innings in Friday's 2-1 victory over Toronto.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old southpaw was outstanding in one of the best hitting environments in the majors. He induced a whopping 19 swining strikes, equaled the second-lowest amount of earned runs he's surrendered in a start this season and posted his second-best strikeout total as well. Paxton has had an up-and-down campaign, but has now emerged victorious in two of his three July decisions.

Paxton was hit hard in Friday's loss to the Astros, allowing six runs on nine hits and on walk across just five innings. He did record one strikeout.

EDGE Analysis

The left-hander allowed just a solo home run through the first four innings, but he imploded in the fifth, when he allowed five men to reach and yielded four total runs, two of which came via wild pitch. Paxton had pitched well in his two outings prior to the All-Star break, but his prospects of bouncing back do not look great heading into his next start Friday at Toronto.

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.

Paxton allowed four runs -- three earned -- on nine hits and two walks in 5.2 innings Saturday in a win against the Orioles. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

Paxton had few problems through the first five innings and was staked to a 9-2 lead entering the sixth. He couldn't make it out of that inning, though, as he gave up two runs on two walks and three hits. Paxton had a few good outings after debuting June 1, but he's been pretty mediocre and far too hittable in his last three starts. He's allowed 12 earned runs in those 18.1 innings and nearly double-digit hits in all (13.75 H/9). Fortunately, none have left the yard. Paxton said rather than staying on top of the ball, he got to the side of it in the sixth inning. We'll see if he can adjust in his next start.

Paxton allowed five runs on eight hits and two walks in five innings in Sunday's start versus the Cardinals. He struck out seven and did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

The lefty had a 2.77 ERA in his four starts prior to Sunday, but he wore down in the fifth inning when he allowed five runs on four extra-base hits and an error. Paxton continues to strike out batters at a high rate, as he now has 10.6 K/9 rate on the season, and he will attempt to right the ship Saturday versus the Orioles.

Paxton (1-3) allowed four runs on 11 hits and three walks with five strikeouts over 7.2 innings in Tuesday's loss to Detroit.

EDGE Analysis

Paxton appeared to run out of gas, as he threw five shutout innings but gave up one apiece in the sixth, seventh and eighth as his pitch count rose. He had thrown 110 pitches (71 strikes, 12 swinging) by the time the Mariners finally pulled him, and by that point the damage had been done. Paxton had a streak of three quality starts snapped -- and he would have had a fourth had he not been sent out to try and pitch the eighth inning. He owns a 3.34 ERA with a crisp 34:9 K:BB in just 29.2 innings.

Paxton (1-2) held the Rays to three runs on seven hits over six innings Thursday for his first win of the season. He struck out five and walked two.

EDGE Analysis

Despite the victory, this was Paxton's second-worst start of the four he's made this year -- he went unrewarded for sparkling outings against the Rangers and Indians that ended in defeat for Seattle. Once among the majors' most highly touted pitching prospects before injuries derailed his last two seasons, Paxton's delivered three straight quality starts while showcasing never-before-seen control (by his standards, anyhow) -- that 29:6 K:BB in 22 innings should have him flying off waiver wires.

Paxton (0-2) scattered six hits over 6.1 scoreless innings, but didn't factor in the decision against the Rangers on Saturday night. He walked to and struck out seven.

EDGE Analysis

The left-hander has been the unfortunately recipient of terrible support. He allowed one run over six innings in his last start - a loss to the Indians - and did even better this time around, however he still remains winless through three starts. Paxton has struck out seven-plus in each of his games, and sports an impressive 24:2 K:BB through 16 innings.

Paxton (0-2) struck out 10 and allowed three runs (just one earned) on five hits and a walk over six innings in a loss Monday against Cleveland.

EDGE Analysis

After Paxton's rough debut (3.2 IP, 8 R, 3 ER) Wednesday, he needed a start like this one to reaffirm that he belongs in Seattle's rotation. This is the kind of nastiness expected of Paxton, who brings the rare upper-90s heat as a left-hander. Paxton drew an absurd 20 swinging strikes on 107 pitches and backed it up with six groundball outs out of eight outs in play. If Paxton can combine that kind of swing-and-miss stuff with regular grounders, he can live up to the expectations the Mariners' high expectations for him.