SEATTLE (AP) — In the middle of the wild-card race in the American League, the Seattle Mariners will likely be without left-handed ace James Paxton for at least three weeks because of a pectoral strain.

Paxton was put on the 10-day disabled list on Friday, a day after he was pulled in the seventh inning of his start against the Los Angeles Angels. Paxton was optimistic it was a minor injury, but an MRI on Friday morning confirmed a stint on the disabled list and another blow for the Mariners’ postseason chances.

Paxton was working his way into the conversation for Cy Young Award consideration. He was the AL pitcher of the month in July and had won seven straight starts heading into Thursday’s outing. He wound up with a no-decision. Paxton is 12-3 with a 2.78 ERA in 20 starts.

Seattle recalled Andrew Moore to take Paxton’s roster spot.

It’s another hit for the beleaguered Seattle pitching staff that put Felix Hernandez and David Phelps on the 10-day disabled list earlier this week with shoulder bursitis and an elbow impingement respectively.

Paxton has been the ace of the staff this year. He is 12-and-3 with a 2.78 ERA despite missing despite a stint on the disabled list in may due to a left forearm strain.

At 59-and-57, Seattle is tied with Tampa Bay for the second American League Wildcard. The Angels are just a game back.

Marco Gonzales (0-0 , 12.27 ERA) goes to the hill for Seattle. The Angels counter with Ricky Nolasco (5-12, 5.09 ERA). First pitch is at 7:10pm and you can hear it all on KPUG 1170AM and 97.9FM in Bellingham.

(KPUG – Doug Lange and The Associated Press)