We were finally seeing the James Paxton everyone wanted. But as seems to be par for the course this season, a top starting pitcher is now headed for the disabled list. Two days before he was set to make his start on Sunday, the Seattle Mariners placed their ace on the disabled list with a forearm strain.

It's concerning enough that Paxton lands on the disabled list. Injuries have bothered him throughout his career and derailed excellent stuff, this year seemed poised to be the exception until now. But even more concerning is the location of the injury as a forearm strain, especially one that comes up suddenly, raises red flags over potential issues with the elbow.

We were witnessing everything we hoped for this year. Across six starts, the 28-year-old held a microscopic 1.53 FIP and paired it with an outstanding 10.75 K/9. Fantasy owners and the Mariners wanted an ace, Paxton pitched at that level and seemed poised for a breakout season.

Now everyone is left hoping for some good news. Baltimore Orioles Zach Britton had a forearm strain that raised alarm bells, but his elbow got cleared of any issues and his absence only last two weeks. That's the best-case scenario with Paxton, but concerns are higher given he does throw hard and has a history of arm injuries.

Seattle hasn't announced yet who will take Paxton's place in the rotation or the severity of his injury, we'll provide an update when more information becomes available.