Johnson Visits Back Specialist

Mon., Aug. 26, 1996

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Randy Johnson will have his bulging disk examined today in Anaheim, Calif., and his availability for the remainder of the season could be determined before tonight’s game in the Kingdome.

Although club officials say the left-hander’s appointment with back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins is a prearranged follow-up to a late-July exam, Johnson remains bothered by the injury that kept him out for more than three months.

“Randy hasn’t improved as much as he would like,” manager Lou Piniella said. “He’ll see the doctor and we’ll go from there.”

Johnson, who won the American League Cy Young Award last season and started this season with five straight wins, went on the disabled list May 12. He returned on Aug. 6.

He pitched nine scoreless innings in his first three relief outings, allowing six hits and striking out 15, but has been ineffective since then.

New York’s Cecil Fielder rapped a two-run single off Johnson Aug. 18 in a 12-inning, 13-12 Mariners’ win, Baltimore’s Bobby Bonilla tagged him for a three-run homer last Wednesday, and ex-Mariner Darren Bragg smacked a game-deciding grand slam off him Saturday at Boston.

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Johnson Visits Back Specialist

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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