Josh Johnson Might Miss At Least A Month

Josh Johnson's sore arm might be the result of nerve damage that could force the Florida Marlins' right-hander to miss the first month of the season or more. Three MRI exams Friday showed no ligament or rotator cuff problems, and a bone scan was normal, agent Matt Sosnick said. More tests are planned. Regardless of the results, Johnson is likely to miss the start of the season April 2.

Johnson went 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA as a rookie in 2006. His arm trouble first surfaced last September, when he missed the final three weeks of the season, and the problem recurred during throwing sessions shortly before Johnson reported to spring training last month. He hasn't thrown from the mound since camp opened.

Candidates to take Johnson's spot in the rotation include right-handers Yusmeiro Petit, Wes Obermueller, Sergio Mitre and Jose Garcia, and left-hander Chris George.
Source: AP