Pain-free Randy Johnson roughed up in first spring training start
Author: Amanda Category: UncategorizedRandy Johnson was happy to pitch without pain. Still, he was disappointed with the results of his first outing since back surgery.
The Big Unit gave up three runs and four hits, including a three-run homer by Chris Iannetta, in 1 1-3 innings Monday during Arizona’s 10-9 victory over the NL champion Colorado Rockies. Johnson walked one and struck out one.
“Minus the results today, there was a lot of positive things,” he said. “But as competitive as I am, I’m still disappointed that I would pitch like that.”
The 44-year-old left-hander returned to the mound for the first time since June 28. Last summer, he underwent back surgery for the second time in less than a year, but Monday he said he felt healthy.
“I’ve got a long ways to go, but I’m just happy to be able to get out there and pitch pain-free,” Johnson said. “Comparing today to the last time I pitched at Chase (Field), it’s night and day. So I’m happy about that. The results will come as I pitch more.”
