James Paxton: Why my biggest red flag shouldn’t worry Yankees

New Yankees starting pitcher James Paxton has a long injury history, but here’s why he says he’s not worried about it.

Push it to the Pax.

New Yankees starting pitcher James Paxton said he believes that though he has an extensive — perhaps worrisome — injury history, he’s managed his maladies and believes he’ll be fine in the Bronx.

“I continue to try to work toward being healthy for an entire season,” Paxton said on a conference call with reporters late Monday night. “I feel like I’ve been lucky I haven’t had any really bad injuries as far as elbow, shoulder, that kind of stuff.”

Paxton became the latest member of the Yankees’ rotation when general manager Brian Cashman acquired the 30-year-old lefty in a deal that sent three prospects to Seattle.

The Yankees gave the Mariners left-hander Justus Sheffield, 21, their top prospect according to MLB.com; righty pitcher Erik Swanson and outfielder Dom Thompson-Williams.

In Paxton, the Yankees are getting a middle-of-the-rotation type with a career 3.42 ERA over six years, a mid-90s fastball and great strikeout ability. They’re also getting a starter who has never pitched more than 106 1/3 innings, which he finally did last season. Before that, Paxton’s career-high in the majors was 136 innings.

Last season, Paxton missed five weeks — three with back inflammation and two after a line drive nailed his left forearm. He missed two months in 2017 (forearm strain, pectoral strain); two weeks in 2016 (line drive to the elbow); nearly four months in 2015 (left finger tendon strain); and four months in 2014 (lat strain).

But Paxton said he thinks he’s learned from all his injuries.

“I’ve learned how to make sure those things don’t happen again through exercise or whatever and I’m doing everything I can to prepare myself and be ready for an entire season,” Paxton said.

He said he learned Monday that he would be traded to the Yankees via a phone call from GM Jerry DiPoto. Then Cashman called him. After that, it was manager Aaron Boone welcoming Paxton to the team.

“I’m just honored to get a chance to be a Yankee and be a part of the history and tradition and commitment to winning there,” he said.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.