80-Pitch Limit May Keep Mariners’ Johnson From His 18th Victory

Seattle pitcher Randy Johnson will make his first appearance since Aug. 20 tonight when he starts, although his bid for an 18th victory will take a back seat to his pitch count probably between 75 and 80 pitches.

That could get Johnson through five innings or more, but it might not.

Notes: Seattle has scrambled its rotation again, this time to give Jeff Fassero an extra day of rest. Jamie Moyer will pitch Sunday on three days’ rest, followed by Ken Cloude on Monday. Fassero will pitch on Wednesday in Texas, following a travel day on Tuesday. Fassero had been scheduled to come back Monday on three days’ rest.