Johnson Scratched From First Start Of Spring Training
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Randy Johnson will miss his first scheduled spring training start with the Yankees tomorrow because of tightness in his left calf. The problem is not considered serious, and the left-hander is expected to be ready for what would have been his second start next Tuesday.
“I’m not concerned about him … not at all,” Yankees owner George Steinbrenner said. “No. Joe [Torre, the manager] knows what he’s doing, and Randy is a good man.”
Johnson first experienced tightness in the calf last week, and the injury reoccurred during fielding drills Monday.
“This is not that big of a deal,” Johnson said.” If I had to pitch today, I could have.”
“Everything is fine … I’m not limping,” Johnson said. “Better to be cautious being the first time out in spring training than go out there and run and do something and be out two or three starts.”
Torre said Tanyon Sturtze will replace Johnson in tomorrow’s spring training opener with Pittsburgh. Johnson is slated to pitch the Yankees’ regular season opener April 3 against Boston.
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ZAMBRANO EYES HEALTHY RETURN
Mets pitcher Victor Zambrano showed no signs of discomfort while throwing two innings in an intrasquad game Tuesday at Tradition Field.
Zambrano had elbow and ankle problems that caused him to miss the final six weeks of the 2004 season.
He allowed three runs – one earned – and two hits with one strikeout and two walks yesterday. He threw 19 strikes and 11 balls while relying entirely on fastballs and changeups.
Zambrano, acquired in a trade from Tampa Bay for Mets’ top prospect Scott Kazmir on July 30, pitched only 14 innings before being sidelined. He was diagnosed with a slight muscle tear in his right elbow after an August 17 game in Colorado. He had hurt his left ankle earlier that month.
Pitching coach Rick Peterson was impressed by the right-hander during the first two weeks of spring training.
Tom Glavine will start the Mets’ first Grapefruit League game today against the Washington Nationals in Viera. Scheduled starters for the rest of the week include Kris Benson tomorrow, Pedro Martinez on Friday, and Steve Trachsel on Saturday.
