Shoulder Inflammation Shelves Johnson
By Editorial Staff
The Florida Marlins have announced that they are placing their ace Josh Johnson on the 15 day disabled list with an inflamed right shoulder.
The shoulder became an issue during Johnson’s bullpen Thursday. The two time All Star was hesitant to report the injury to the team, noting that he has dealt with shoulder discomfort in between starts this season. He decided to pass on the information to coaches after he was unable to get lose during Thursday’s session.
“It took everything I had to go and say something,” Johnson said. “It’s just kind of the way I am, the competitor I am. But, once I did it, it almost felt better, like something lifted off my shoulders. I’m kind of at peace with it. Now I can get it right and get back to feeling good like I was at the beginning of the season.”
Most would have assumed that if Johnson was headed for the DL, it would have been because of the arm contusion he suffered during his last start against the Mets. In the 5th inning of that contest, Johnson was drilled on his right forearm by a liner up the middle.
Johnson was able to finish the inning, but did not come back out for the 6th. The starter said he felt no effects later in the week, and was expected to make his Sunday start until the news broke today.
Jay Buente has been called up from AAA to replace Johnson. He will take the mound Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays.