Johnson Throws Simulated Game

[JJ]

Josh Johnson pitched a smooth simulated game Monday with no adverse effects

Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez wanted to drive up to Jupiter, Fla., on his day off, partly to see pitcher Josh Johnson throw a simulated game.

But traffic only allowed him to watch one inning.

Johnson, who underwent season-ending Tommy John ligament replacement surgery on his right elbow on Aug. 3, 2007, threw a 51-pitch simulated game on Monday.

Tommy John surgery usually consists of a 12- to 18-month recovery period. Johnson had the surgery less than 10 months ago.

Gonzalez is going to refrain from asking Johnson about his status.

"He was good, but I think you have to follow the protocol with doctors in that situation," said Gonzalez, who also drove to Jupiter to meet with newly acquired outfielder Jacque Jones. "I think it may help him that his mechanics are so good, but I think you have to follow the program.

"I've stayed away from that."

In Johnson's first full season in the Major Leagues in 2006, the 6-foot-7 right-hander went 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 31 games -- 24 of them starts.

Last year, Johnson began the season on the 15-day disabled list with ulnar nerve irritation in his pitching arm and was never able to get fully healthy, finishing the season 0-3 with a 7.47 ERA in four starts before eventually being transferred to the 60-day DL on Aug. 10 -- seven days after his surgery.

The Marlins could use another starting pitcher this year. Coming into their three-game homestand against the D-backs, Florida's starters are 26th in the Major Leagues with a 5.00 ERA.

But that doesn't mean Gonzalez is going to rush his 24-year-old back.

"I've stayed away from him," Gonzalzez said, "because he's the type of guy that will say, 'I can probably give you three innings tomorrow.'"

Source

[Maybin is Marvelous]

I cannot not wait to have a rotation of Olsen, Miller, Johnson, Anibel, and Mitre. While each one slowly comes back, we get to plug in Hendrickson and Nolasco. Btw, can anyone give me a time table for each of the three injured pitchers? Thanks