BOSTON – The Red Sox placed left-hander James Paxton on the 15-day injured list Monday with a strained right calf, a day after he limped off the field in the first inning following a quick move while trying to cover first base.
“MRI this morning, they have the results,” manager Alex Cora said before Boston faced the Texas Rangers in the opener of a three-game series. “He’s sore. We’ll see what happens.”
Paxton, 35, was on crutches after Monday night’s game, which the Red Sox won 5-4 on Rob Refsnyder’s walk-off single in the 10th inning. Paxton said his calf strain was “pretty bad” according to an MRI, but he hopes to return toward the end of the season.
In addition to placing Paxton on the injured list, the Red Sox have taken a number of other measures.
Monday’s starter Brayan Bello was activated from the paternity list and left-hander Bailey Horn was recalled from Triple-A Worcester.
Boston suspended outfielder Jarren Duran for two days without pay after he shouted a homophobic slur at a fan behind home base who booed him during Sunday’s loss to Houston.
The Red Sox also selected right-hander Chase Shugart and catcher/infielder Mickey Gasper from Worcester.
They also sent pitchers Brennan Bernardino and Brad Keller to Worcester and designated Jamie Westbrook for assignment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
