Johnson Can Forget Cy Young M’S Say Ace Left-Hander Will Miss A Third Scheduled Start Wednesday

Disgusted by the way he was pitching against Milwaukee early last month, Seattle left-hander Randy Johnson angrily caught a return throw to the mound barehanded, injuring the middle finger of his pitching hand.

The move, which the pitcher later conceded was “not too bright,” almost certainly has ended his chance for a second American League Cy Young award in three years.

Toronto’s Roger Clemens (20-4, 1.73), a three-time A.L. Cy Young winner, has the inside track as he continues to have the best season of his career at age 35. Johnson (17-4, 2.32) is his closest competitor, second in the league to Clemens in wins, winning percentage and earned-run average. Johnson is the only A.L. pitcher ahead of Clemens in strikeouts (264 in 190 innings to Clemens’ 237 in 218-2/3).

But Seattle’s ace has missed two starts since reaggravating the injury 13 days ago, and the Mariners said Monday he will miss a third this week. They had hoped he could start Wednesday night against San Diego in the Kingdome.

Johnson, who hasn’t pitched since Aug. 20 against Cleveland, threw “about 10 pitches” on the side before the Mariners’ game against San Diego Monday, team spokesman Dave Aust said. “He still his pain in his finger,” Aust said.

The next move for Johnson is to see a hand specialist, Aust said.

If Johnson doesn’t miss any more starts, he would have four left as Seattle pursues it second A.L. West title in three seasons. Johnson is also trying to become the Mariners’ first 20-game winner.

“It’s discouraging, because I only have possibly five or six more starts this season,” Johnson had said Sunday. “I’ve got some goals that are within reason and within reach. And the more games I miss, the less chance I have to achieve” them.