Josh Johnson was placed on the disabled list last Saturday with right shoulder inflammation, and the Florida Marlins initially indicated that their star right-hander would miss only two starts, coming back on June 1. On Friday, they changed their prognosis, though. From Joe Capozzi:
Josh Johnson Injury: Return Pushed To June 6
Edwin says June 6 or 7 more likely for Josh Johnson return, not June 1Considering a) Johnson’s importance to the Marlins both this year and in the future, and b) that it’s a shoulder problem, it would make sense for the Marlins to play it safe. While the team is in the thick of the NL East race, there’s no reason to rush Johnson back.
Jay Buente came up from triple-A to take Johnson's last start, and he was cuffed around a little bit, allowing three runs in three innings. The righty had been fantastic this season in the minors, with a 1.94 ERA in 41-2/3 innings, with 44 strikeouts and only 10 walks ... but the Marlins designated him for assignment anyway, and Buente was claimed by the Rays. Which means the Marlins need another starter, and in the short term it looks like they're going with Brian Sanches.
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