MLB roundup: Josh Johnson needs surgery

The Padres prize off-season acquisition doesn’t get in a game before requiring surgery

Apr 24, 2014, 11:30 AM UTC

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Padres pitcher Josh Johnson is set to undergo Tommy John surgery on Thursday, per MLB.com's Corey Brock.

The big right-hander didn’t throw a single pitch for the Padres, suffering a strained flexor muscle in spring training that has sidelined him thus far this season. Johnson was the Padres’ big offseason acquisition, and while he isn’t able to contribute in 2014, they smartly included a clause in his contract that affords them a club option for $4 million if he starts fewer than seven games this season.

This will be Johnson's second Tommy John surgery, joining other notable pitchers such as Jarrod Parker, Brandon Beachy, Kris Medlen and teammate Cory Luebke in requiring a second UCL reconstruction.

Frieri struggles again

Wasting an increasingly-rare Jered Weaver gem, Ernesto Frieri imploded in familiar, yet dramatic fashion on Wednesday night, walking one, allowing three hits and four earned runs in ⅓ of an inning.

The disaster of an outing brings his season ERA to 9.35 and leaves his WHIP hovering just below 2.00. Frieri might well have the best stuff in the Angels bullpen, but if he can't right the ship quickly, he'll have to be replaced; manager Mike Scioscia can't afford to drop many games. Working in Frieri's favor, though, is the general lack of options for Scioscia to turn to, as Fernando Salas is the only other option with significant experience in the closer role.

While the full season line is ugly for Frieri, it’s really been four outings that have blown his numbers out of proportion. Prior to Wednesday’s struggles, Frieri allowed a home run in a save on Monday, allowed two runs in ⅓ of an inning on April 14, and allowed two runs in an inning on opening day. He’s thrown clean innings in his other six appearances.