Randy Johnson, last year’s AL Cy Young Award winner, was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday because of an irritated nerve in his lower back.
Johnson returned to Seattle from New York late Tuesday to have his back examined by Dr. Larry Pedegana, a Mariners team physician.
“It’s not going to get healed up unless I give it enough time to completely heal,” said Johnson, who is 5-0 with a 3.83 ERA in eight starts this season. Reliever Edwin Hurtado is expected to replace Johnson in Seattle’s rotation.
Long day: A day after his spectacular no-hitter against Seattle, the New York Yankees’ Dwight Gooden flew to Tampa to be with his father, who underwent open heart surgery Wednesday.
“Dan Gooden is doing well and his prognosis is good,” said St. Joseph’s Hospital spokeswoman Colleen Chappell. “His family thanks everyone for all their support and prayers.”
