Seattle Mariners

There might be a new king of Seattle’s rotation.

James Paxton, not Felix Hernandez, has been the team’s top starter in the season’s early stages. The left-hander will look to continue his stellar run this week against the A’s.

“I can’t say enough about Pax and the start that he is off to,” manager Scott Servais said. “We had a feeling this could be his breakout year.”

In his first three outings, Paxton won both of his decisions while pitching 21 scoreless innings. That’s a franchise-record scoreless streak to start a season. Outfielder Mitch Haniger is making the Mariners’ blockbuster trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks last winter look even sweeter. Haniger had four home runs and 11 RBI in his first 13 games.

“Cotton was born the same (year) I made my debut, 1992, wears No. 45 and, sadly, was traded by the Dodgers. ... Good signs indeed.” Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez on the similarities he shares with A’s starter Jharel Cotton

The other player acquired in that deal, shortstop Jean Segura, was off to a .313 start before going on the disabled list last week with what was described as a mild hamstring strain.

The Mariners were hoping that the return of Shae Simmons (forearm) and Steve Cishek (hip) could boost a shaky bullpen that had been expected to be one of their strengths.