James Paxton to end 2-year MLB absence as Red Sox host Cards

Left-handed pitcher James Paxton is scheduled to make his long-awaited debut for the Boston Red Sox on Friday night when they open a three-game series against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals.

The Red Sox signed Paxton in December 2021 and he spent the 2022 season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. He began this season on the injured list because of a hamstring injury he suffered during spring training.

Paxton has a 57-