FORT MYERS – Brian Johnson's dark-horse bid to become a starter took a sharp detour in the wrong direction today when he sustained a sprain to his big left toe.
While warming up in the bullpen during the 3-1 loss to the Pirates, Johnson “didn't think much of it but when he went to back up behind home plate, he felt further intensity to the discomfort and the velocity was clearly down,” said manager John Farrell.
A test revealed only a tendon issue. The young lefthander, who was waylaid by an elbow issue from early Augst on last year, will be re-examined tomorrow.