Marlins Expect Johnson Back at All-Star Break

[wanks1212]

Johnson made an extended Spring Training start on Monday

The Marlins' rotation could have a significant change in the next month.

Josh Johnson was expected to return from Tommy John surgery in late August or early September, but he is far ahead of that pace, and the Marlins believe he will be back around the All-Star break.

That idea received a huge boost Monday when Johnson pitched in his first game since leaving the mound July 4, 2007, with pain after throwing five scoreless innings against the San Diego Padres.

Johnson went five innings Monday and gave up five hits and one run in an extended spring training game against the Cardinals. He is set to start again in five days and remain on a normal rotation until he is ready to join the Marlins.

''That's good news,'' said Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez, who plans to put Johnson in the rotation when Johnson rejoins the team. ``If he's healthy, he will be a starter.''

Johnson went 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 2006 and was one of the biggest reasons the Marlins came back from their 11-31 start and became a playoff contender. From May through August 2006 -- when the Marlins made their biggest push -- Johnson went 11-4 with a 2.77 ERA.

Anibal Sanchez is coming back from shoulder surgery and is behind Johnson in his rehab. But Gonzalez said Monday that ``Sanchez is close to pitching in a game.''

Today's Herald

Having Johnson and Volstad with the big club after the All Star break would be awesome. All I want out of JJ this year is some league average production; he can go back to being his 2006 sexy self next year.

I don't expect much out of Sanchez, ever again, due to the nature of his injury.

[Ramp]

hard not to be excited, hard not to be a bit worried too

[Hugg]

Of course they do.

Seriously, who honestly thought they weren't going to rush him? For those scoring at home, the All-Star Break means he'll make maybe 5 rehab starts at most (5 is what he did last time).

[Ralph]

If he stays on his current throwing schedule as reported he would be replacing Hendrickson when he comes back.

I would have been happy with him comming back in late August / early September. Oh well, hopefully he stay healthy.

[wanks1212]

The timetable isn't great, but I don't think only 5 rehab starts is obscene. I'd be more worried that he's beginning to make his rehab starts now as opposed to in July.

He needs to be on a strict pitch count when he comes back to the big club. I'm more worried about him getting overextended there.

[MiamiHomer]

Whats going on with Mitre?

[AdamRavs]

yeah I thought Mitre was supposed to be back before anyone else?

[BeefWillingham]

Hill said the other day that Mitre isnt even close.

[BeefWillingham]

And I agree with Wanks that 5 starts is enough.... The worry is more that he hasnt been conditioned and the like prior to getting those starts.

[nc42dad]

FYI
Johnson will be making a start for Greensboro (currently at West VA) on Saturday night.

[GoFishX2]

yes good!

[PitchingWinsGames]

The important thing is that he can comeback and give us the quality innings he showed he can give us, there's no real rush I mean, we're winning (sort of ) without him, so yeah

[GoFishX2]

Originally Posted by PitchingWinsGames The important thing is that he can comeback and give us the quality innings he showed he can give us, there's no real rush I mean, we're winning (sort of :P) without him, so yeah

Yea, I agree with you PWG. I mean it's great that he is coming back in itself, especially after what kind of injury he was dealing with (usually at least a year) We are managing to continue to win games but right now and in the upcoming series with the Rays is when I will decide where "I think" we will end up at the end of this year. "I just feel it"

Hopefully we can get Sanchez back this year as well, we will just have to wait and see.

[BeefWillingham]

So after all that has happened this year, this 3 game series is "it" for you?

I understand not knowing yet, but then basing it on 3 games seems.... odd

[GoFishX2]

Originally Posted by BeefWillingham So after all that has happened this year, this 3 game series is "it" for you? I understand not knowing yet, but then basing it on 3 games seems.... odd

No no, sir. This is not it for me, but I just feel that now is the time to really show what we have, both the braves and mets are closing in and the Phillies are slumping. I feel this upcoming home stand is big yes, we will see what happens. It is just a feeling I have.