M’S Johnson Could Be Put On Dl Today

Randy Johnson is ailing again, and the pain in his lower back is significant enough that the 1995 Cy Young Award winner left the Mariners Tuesday to fly home for another medical examination in Seattle.

He is likely headed for the disabled list.

Johnson started and pitched five innings against Kansas City on Sunday, winning to run his record to 5-0, but whatever comfort that gave the Mariners was lost Tuesday.

“I can’t help the team in this much pain,” Johnson said. “I tried to come back too soon. I’ve got to get healthy.”

If Johnson is placed on the 15-day disabled list today, Seattle will have to dip into Class AAA Tacoma for a starting pitcher, either Paul Menhart or veteran Bob Milacki.

“I’m trying to look at this as positively as I can,” Johnson said. “If I have to miss a few weeks, there’s still 20 starts left.”

Johnson missed one start because of the pain caused by a nerve problem in his lower back, which in turn impacted his right leg. But the injury forced him out of two games early and have robbed him of the ability to run between starts - leaving him weak and vulnerable on days he has tried to pitch.

“We’ve got to get this thing taken care of, whatever it is, and get Randy healthy again,” manager Lou Piniella said.