NewsJohnson scratched from start due to flu
Marlins ace hopes to start Tuesday and in season finale
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
09/27/09 11:50 AM ET
MIAMI -- The flu bug is spreading in the Marlins clubhouse, and it caught up to ace Josh Johnson.The Marlins scratched Johnson from his Sunday start, and they will start Chris Volstad in the series finale with the Mets at Land Shark Stadium.
Johnson is dealing with flu-like symptoms, and he was sent home before the game with the Mets.
Johnson will not travel with the team to Atlanta on Sunday night, and he will be examined by the doctor in South Florida on Monday.
"I felt it yesterday," Johnson said. "I will see the doctor on Monday."
Asked if he will be able to pitch in Atlanta this upcoming week, Johnson said, "I'm not sure."
Several Marlins are stricken by the flu, including first baseman Nick Johnson, who also has not been with the team the past two days. Jorge Cantu also has felt under the weather, but he was in Sunday's starting lineup. Backup catcher Brett Hayes also isn't feeling 100 percent.
The Marlins are hopeful to start Johnson on Tuesday in Atlanta, and then again next Sunday in the season finale at Philadelphia.
Johnson has enjoyed a terrific season, earning his first All-Star appearance. The 6-foot-7 right-hander has posted a 15-5 record and a 3.12 ERA. The 25-year-old has made 31 starts, and he's logged 199 1/3 innings -- both are career highs.
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
