Paxton’s sore glute can easily be treated

The MRI on James Paxton’s left glute showed that he has nerve damage which the Yankees’ left-hander said would be treated with “pills” and not prevent him from pitching in the playoffs.

“It feels better today. We found out that it’s some nerve irritation,” Paxton said. “I’m on some pills to help calm it down. I’m confident that I’ll be ready to go.”

Paxton left Friday night’s game after pitching one inning. The 30-year-old said he felt some discomfort in the lower back/glute area during the start and the Yankees decided to shut him down. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that because Paxton’s next scheduled start would be in the playoffs, he did not want to risk it.

“I’m honestly not worried about it. I think he’s fine. Normal situation, I think he pitches last night and is able to be really effective,” Boone said. “It was just something where obviously the next one’s really important.

“Didn’t want to take any risks… Not something I’m worried about moving forward with him or even that it’s going to hold him back from being as effective as he can be.”

Paxton was heading into the postseason strong, having won a career-high 10 straight starts before Friday night.

Tanaka plans

Masahiro Tanaka will be coming out of the bullpen Sunday. The right-hander will pitch as the “bulk guy,” after an opener, Boone said.

“He’s gonna pitch. We’re probably going to have an opener for him and then he’ll have a little more of an abbreviated outing tomorrow,” Boone said. “That’s our plan right now.”