Josh Johnson, the NL’s co-leader in ERA through nine starts, was placed on the disabled list Saturday because of right shoulder inflammation.
It looks like a recurrence of the problem that shut him down at the end of last season. Johnson hadn’t been on the disabled list since 2008, but he didn’t pitch after Sept. 4 last year because of an inflamed shoulder and a sore back.
Johnson, probably the game’s most underrated pitcher, led the NL with a 2.30 ERA last season and was tied with Jaime Garcia with a 1.64 mark this season. He was also second with a 0.98 WHIP.
With Johnson sidelined, it doesn’t look like Javier Vazquez will lose his spot in Florida’s rotation anytime soon.
Converted reliever Jay Buente is coming up to pitch in Johnson’s place Sunday. Buente, a 27-year-old who had never started regularly prior to this season, was 3-0 with a 1.91 ERA in five starts since moving into the rotation at Triple-A New Orleans. He made his major league debut for the Marlins last season, amassing a 6.55 ERA in eight relief appearances.