Arizona LHP Johnson expected to pitch two innings vs. Rockies
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Randy Johnson will make his first spring training start Monday.
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The Arizona Diamondbacks' left-hander is expected to pitch two innings against the Colorado Rockies at Hi Corbett Field, another sign of progress as he returns from back surgery.
"Everything's gone on schedule," Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin said Sunday. "This is right around the first date that we thought that he would potentially take the mound in a game."
The 44-year-old Johnson went 4-3 with a 3.81 ERA in 10 starts for Arizona last season, the last on June 28, before undergoing his second back operation in less than a year.
Melvin said he has not projected Johnson's first regular-season start. The Big Unit enters the season with 284 career wins.
"It's all going to be outing to outing," Melvin said. "With him, we're not even close to that yet."
Melvin said the Rockies have agreed to his request to use a designated hitter so Johnson won't have to bat.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
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