Joe Frisaro of MLB.com speculated earlier today that Josh Johnson “may be done for the season” due to injuries to his back and shoulder and the Marlins’ desire to protect their prized right-hander. That could still be true, but the Fish did get some good news this evening.
According to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald (via Twitter), an MRI on Wednesday afternoon showed inflammation in Johnson’s right shoulder and a slight muscle strain in the middle of the right-hander’s back, but no structural damage.
It’s good news both in the long-term and possibly in the short-term as well.
The Marlins, because Johnson has no serious injuries, could decide to their ace back into the starting rotation for the final four weeks of the regular season. He has posted an incredible 2.30 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 9.11 K/9 in 28 starts this season and is still alive in the chase for the National League Cy Young. That is, if he continues to pitch and post award-worthy numbers.
