NewsJohnson to start for Marlins on Tuesday
Right-hander was scratched Sunday with flu-like symptoms
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
09/28/09 6:57 PM ET
ATLANTA -- Early Monday morning, Josh Johnson visited a doctor in South Florida, where he was treated for flu-like symptoms.At 11:45 a.m. ET, he was on a plane headed to Atlanta, and later in the afternoon, the Marlins announced Johnson was cleared to start against the Braves on Tuesday at Turner Field.
Due to feeling under the weather, Johnson was scratched from his scheduled start against the Mets on Sunday at Land Shark Stadium. It was unclear then if he would pitch in Atlanta.
"They said as long as I don't have a fever, I can continue doing what I'm doing," said Johnson, who was battling a 101.5 temperature.
With 199 1/3 innings pitched in 31 starts, Johnson has wanted to reach the 200-innings mark.
Barring any unforeseen setbacks, the 6-foot-7 right-hander will also start in the regular-season finale on Sunday at Philadelphia. If he makes those two starts, he will reach 33 on the season, which means he would cash in a $25,000 performance bonus.
At 15-5 with a 3.12 ERA, Johnson has established himself as one of the elite pitchers in the National League. He was selected to his first All-Star Game this season.
Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said Johnson's return to the rotation shifts things up a bit for the rest of the road trip. Had Johnson not been ready to go, Rick VandenHurk was slated to start.
Ricky Nolasco will start on Wednesday at Atlanta. Florida has an off-day on Thursday before facing the Phillies for three games beginning Friday. Either Sean West or VandenHurk will pitch that game. Anibal Sanchez is lined up for Saturday, with Johnson set for Sunday.
Being able to pitch again is a relief for Johnson.
"I want to get that 200-inning mark, and just be out there for my team," Johnson said. "That's the only thing that upset me yesterday is I wanted to go out there and help my team. I want to be out there for the guys and battle for them."
The doctors said Johnson wasn't inflicted by the swine flu, but they told him even if he was, the medication he was on would have treated it.
The flu bug has been going around the Marlins' clubhouse.
First baseman Nick Johnson has been dealing with the flu for a few days, and he, too, visited a physician Monday before arriving in Atlanta later in the afternoon. He hasn't started in three games.
An injury that the team is monitoring is outfielder Cody Ross, who is doubtful to play in the Braves series because of a bruised left wrist. Ross was hit by a John Maine fastball on Saturday at Miami.
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
