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Johnson passes physical to join D-Backs
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Randy Johnson, TRIBUNE FILE
His back OK, Randy Johnson is officially back. Johnson was cleared by the Diamondbacks’ medical staff after a physical exam Monday, when commissioner Bud Selig also signed off on the financial arrangements that will return Johnson to his Valley home with a two-year, $26 million contract. He will be introduced at a 1 p.m. press conference at Chase Field today.
“Obviously, you look at Randy Johnson and how he fits in the rotation – that is a big factor,” D-Backs manager Bob Melvin said.
“You get a guy who's going to give you 200 innings of work and about 17 wins.”
Johnson was 17-10 with a 5.00 ERA in 2006 and also won 17 games in 2005, his first season with the Yankees.
Johnson, 43, had surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back last October, and while the Yankees said they were uncertain if he would be ready for the start of the regular season, the D-Backs’ medical examination apparently raised no red flags.
Johnson missed half of the 2004 season with a right knee injury, but that also did not appear to be an issue.
Since the Yankees are contributing $2 million to pay part of Johnson’s salary, Selig’s approval was necessary.
The commissioner reviews a contract any time $1 million or more passes hands.
The Yankees will receive Luis Vizcaino and minor leaguers Steven Jackson, Alberto Gonzalez and Ross Ohlendorf.
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