Johnson Throws Batting Practice

Randy Johnson took one small step for Mariner-kind Tuesday afternoon, if a small step is possible for a 6-10 left-hander.

Johnson, the Mariners’ 1995 Cy Young Award winner trying to rehabilitate a bulging disc in his back, tossed 40 pitches of batting practice before the Tacoma Rainiers’ game against the Salt Lake Buzz at Cheney Stadium.

And though Johnson, who threw smoothly and easily, was encouraged, he cautioned there was a ways to go before he’d be back.

“I felt fine today, but I also felt fine when I threw batting practice in Oakland,” Johnson said. “Then that evening and the following day, my back was a little stiff.

“But this is two weeks after, and now that I’ve been doing these back exercises suggested by a back surgeon in Los Angeles, I feel a lot more comfortable out there.

“I have no aches and pains when I’m throwing. I am a little winded, but I haven’t thrown in three months, either.”

Johnson said, in the best-case scenario, he’s still a week to 10 days away from rejoining the Mariners.

What’s next?

“I’ll throw a couple of innings in Everett (Saturday), and then maintain my endurance through that start and my next start in Everett five days later.

“Hopefully, I’ll prove to myself and everybody that I’m healthy.”

Johnson showed his sense of humor.

“I know the Mariners need pitching,” he said. “I hope I’ll get called up.”