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Randy Johnson misses scheduled start, headed to disabled list
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Lingering back problems are forcing Randy Johnson back to the disabled list.
Jennifer Grimes, Tribune
St. Louis - Randy Johnson’s troublesome back forced him out of a scheduled start Tuesday and back onto the disabled list for the third time this season, but he said retirement is not something he’s considering.
Johnson said the herniated disk in his lower back is rubbing against his sciatic nerve, causing trouble in his plant leg when he pitches. The Big Unit will take 10 days off before being evaluated again.
“I’ll let it calm down a little bit over the next 10 days and hopefully everything will kind of get a little bit better, and just go from there,” Johnson said.
It is unknown when Johnson will get back on the mound, but he said retirement hasn’t even been part of the conversation.
“If you’ve been around as long as I have you manage whatever comes across,” Johnson said. “It’s just one more obstacle.”
Right-hander Yusmeiro Petit was summoned from Triple-A Tucson and started in place of Johnson on Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Johnson began the season on the disabled list after offseason back surgery but pitched well after making his first start on April 24. In June the herniated disk was found, and he has made just one start since June 10. Johnson is 4-3 this season with a 3.81 ERA.
The Diamondbacks knew Johnson’s health could be an issue when they re-acquired him from the Yankees in January.
“I thought coming into this season when we didn’t start with him, let’s see where he’s at,” Arizona manager Bob Melvin said. “He got progressively better to the point where he was dominating for four or five outings in a row. Then he got some more pain in his leg or whatever, had the MRI, found out there was a herniated disk. You can’t help but think, 'What are we going to get?’ You have to cover your bases.
We’re still hoping for the best.”
Johnson returned quickly after learning of the herniated disk but struggled against the Dodgers on Thursday. He admitted dealing with the recurring injury has been frustrating.
“To have this happen again, I’m doing anything and everything I can just to get back out there,” Johnson said. “I’m basically pitching on one leg. I’m not going to be very effective that way, no matter who you are.”
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