SAN FRANCISCO -- Randy Johnson faced hitters in two simulated innings on Monday afternoon and then said he could be ready to be activated within a couple days."If I get up tomorrow and feel fine, hopefully I'll come off the DL," Johnson said. "What my role is, I don't know."
Johnson, 46, has been out for more than two months with a torn rotator cuff. He said it's still torn, but through rehab and strengthening exercises, he's built it back to the point that he could pitch out of the bullpen. Giants manager Bruce Bochy didn't say whether Johnson would be activated or how he'd be used.
Johnson has made only 10 regular season relief appearances in his career and three in the postseason, including getting the final outs of the 2001 World Series. Despite limited experience in that role, he said he'd be able to figure it out.
"I've been making adjustments for 22 years," he said. "I've still got to get hitters out."
Johnson insisted a few weeks ago that he would not make any decisions about his future until after the season. It is widely assumed that he'll retire after 2009. A future first-ballot Hall of Famer, Johnson is 303-166 in his career.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
He needs to come back in 2010 and become the 2nd pitcher with 5000 Ks. He would have been on the verge if he had played all of 2009, based on his ratios.
This would be a huge milestone, far more important than being the 20-something-th pitcher with 300 wins.