Big Unit OK to start after negative MRI
Johnson will focus on correcting mechanics before start against A's
 Kathy Willens / AP Randy Johnson, 42, is 5-3 with a 5.01 ERA. “I can’t remember the last time I pitched a good ballgame,” he said. |
 | Slide show |
 | Week in Sports Pictures Pain on the skating rink, flying high on the hardwood, upsets on the football field, and more. more photos |
 | Video: Baseball from NBC Sports |
 Nats name Riggleman Jim Riggleman was officially introduced as the manager of the Washington Nationals. |
On a day when owner George Steinbrenner's criticisms of Alex Rodriguez took center stage, the news could have been even worse: The New York Yankees sent struggling ace Randy Johnson for an MRI exam to make sure he isn’t hurt.
Apparently Johnson is physically sound. Tests on his left shoulder showed nothing abnormal, the team said.
“We just wanted to get that aside,” manager Joe Torre said. “Now he can focus on mechanics.”
The 42-year-old Johnson is 5-3 with a 5.01 ERA. He gave up seven runs — two earned — and five hits in 3 2-3 innings Tuesday night in a 14-3 loss to Boston, the fourth time in five starts he’s struggled. He also walked five batters for the first time since July 21, 2002, with Arizona.
“It looked like I didn’t have a clue out there,” he said. “I’m throwing balls to the backstop and trying to overthrow, putting more pressure on myself.
“I can’t remember the last time I pitched a good ballgame,” he said.
But Johnson was pleased with the test results Wednesday.
“More than anything, getting a positive result from the MRI gives me a peace of mind,” he said. “I’ll be working over the next few days, physically and mentally, to put my best foot forward in my next start.”
The Big Unit is scheduled to pitch again Sunday against Oakland.
“There’s no medical issue. It’s basically normal. What we’re trying to do is eliminate possibilities. Now that medical is eliminated, it’s down to player-coach,” general manager Brian Cashman said.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
LowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM BASEBALL |
 Baseball Section Front |
| Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: |
Sponsored links