Johnson tossed in Toronto after exchange with umpire

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TORONTO -- Randy Johnson was ejected in the second inning of Friday night's game against the Toronto Blue Jays after arguing with plate umpire Fieldin Culbreth.

AP/Adrian WyldEven with catcher John Flaherty as the go-between, umpire Fieldin Culbreth showed the Big Unit the way out in the 2nd.

With Frank Menechino at the plate and the count 2-2, Johnson threw a pitch on the inside part of the plate. The 6-foot-10 left-hander yelled at Culbreth, who popped out to the first-base side of the plate and took off his mask.

Culbreth yelled something at Johnson and pointed at the pitcher. Johnson yelled something back, and the umpire then ejected him.

Yankees catcher John Flaherty got between Johnson and the umpire, and Yankees manager Joe Torre came out of the dugout to argue.

Johnson flipped the ball onto the infield before walking to the Yankees dugout.

Johnson allowed three runs and two hits in 1 2/3 innings, throwing 50 pitches. Scott Proctor relieved and retired Menechino on his first pitch.

It was Johnson's shortest regular-season start since July 23, 1993, for Seattle at Cleveland, when he lasted 1 1/3 innings, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Johnson gave up eight runs in that game.

Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press

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