TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -Randy Johnson was back on the mound, and this time it didn’t feel like ‘extended batting practice.’
Johnson, who missed most of the 2007 season with a herniated disc in his back that required offseason surgery, worked three innings in his second spring start and allowed only a solo homer to Gary Matthews Jr. in the Los Angeles Angels’ 5-4, 10-inning win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday.
“I’m very pleased with what transpired,” said Johnson, who was limited to 10 starts in 2007 and posted a 4-3 record with a 3.81 ERA. “I’ve still got some work to go, but I’ve got a little time to still work on some things.”
In his only other spring outing, Johnson gave us three runs and four hits in 1 1-3 innings against Colorado on March 10, an outing he referred to as “extended batting practice for Colorado.”
“The Colorado (start) was just fun to get out there,” Johnson said. “I hadn’t pitched in 8 or 9 months. It wasn’t indicative of how I’m going to pitch, hopefully.”
Meanwhile, top prospect Nick Adenhart may soon be pitching in big league games, well before the Angels expected.
Adenhart allowed three runs and four hits in four innings. All the runs off Adenhart came on a second-inning homer by Jeff Salazar.
Prior to the game, the Angels announced that ace right-hander John Lackey would be out 3-4 weeks with a right triceps strain. Lackey’s injury, plus the shoulder injury to Kelvim Escobar that has kept him out of the entire Cactus League season, has left the door wide open for the final spot in the Angels rotation. Jon Garland, Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders appear to have the first four slots.
Angels General Manager Tony Reagins told reporters before the game that he would like to replace Lackey from within the organization. Scioscia said Dustin Moseley, who made eight starts last season but was considered a long reliever this season, would be stretched out in order to fit into the role as a starter. Moseley is recovering from ulnar nerved surgery and has worked three innings this spring.
Right-hander Nick Green also figures to be in the hunt.
“Our goal right now is to get as many guys as we can that can get into that role and make the best decision,” Scioscia said.
Adenhart didn’t change his outlook after hearing the news.
“Personally, I understand what that means,” said Adenhart, who has a 4.26 ERA over 14 2-3 spring innings and four starts. “It opens up a spot. From the beginning of camp I felt like I was coming in to compete for a job and that was still my mindset going out there today.”
Scioscia said Adenhart would be considered for the open starter spot.
“If we feel that he’s ready then he’s going to be a candidate,” Scioscia said. “He had better stuff today than he had in any other outing this spring. We’re still evaluating Nick to see where he is. I think he has an incredible future.”
Juan Rivera’s RBI single after Matt Brown tripled in the 10th won the game. Brown’s eight-inning solo homer tied the game at 4-4.
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