Marlins Place Johnson on 60 Day DL

The Marlins’ hopes of having Josh Johnson return before the All-Star break vanished Tuesday as Florida announced it is placing the right hander on the team’s 60 day disabled list.

Johnson has been out since late May with shoulder inflammation.  He started feeling discomfort during his bullpen session after his last start.

The Cy Young candidate told coaches that he was feeling much better earlier in the week, but Johnson has missed too much time to make a speedy return.  Instead he will have to miss significant time rebuilding his arm strength and command.

Florida believes that Johnson will have to continue his rehab process and make two or three starts in the minors before he rejoins the club.

This is a huge hit to a Marlins team that’s lost four in a row and dropped 14 of their last 16.  The team’s gone from competing in the NL East to just trying to stay out of the basement of the division.

One big reason for the team’s current state is the lack of production from its rotation.  Florida’s starting pitchers have been among the worst in the league this season, combining for an ERA of 4.40.  The team only has one player that’s made over 10 starts and kept an ERA below 4, Anibal Sanchez.

On the other end of the spectrum sits Chris Volstad and Javier Vazquez.  Both of these gentlemen have managed to sustain earned run averages north of 6.  Vazquez has gone the extra mile with an ERA of 7.09.