Johnson Should Spring Back After Disc Surgery

A 2-hour operation to remove a fragment from Randy Johnson’s back was termed a success Thursday, and the doctor who performed the surgery predicted the Seattle pitcher would be ready to pitch when spring training begins next February.

“A lot goes into being a great athlete,” Dr. Robert Watkins said. “I expect a full recovery from his back problems, and I see no reason why he can’t perform as well as he did before the injury.”

Watkins performed the surgery - an endoscopic discectomy - in a Los Angeles hospital, and said Johnson was awake and alert Thursday afternoon, aware of the operation’s success and the rehabilitation work ahead.

“He’ll probably stay in the hospital until Sunday and then fly home,” Watkins said. “As soon as he’s comfortable, he’ll start exercising. He’ll be on a five-level rehabilitation program, with each level more difficult. After he’s done the most difficult level, he’ll be ready to throw again.”

In Kansas City, where the M’s were preparing to complete their three-game series with the Royals, the news on Johnson was the best the team had received lately.

“That’s great,” manager Lou Piniella said. “I’ll call him (Friday) from Minneapolis.”

“Now all he has to do is work, and Randy is a worker,” pitching coach Bobby Cuellar said.