Arizona Diamondbacks Wiretap

Big Unit Has Herniated Disk

Randy Johnson has a herniated disk in his surgically repaired back, making the timing of his return to the Diamondbacks' rotation unclear.

The 43-year-old Johnson seemed upbeat after the club revealed the diagnosis Tuesday, one day after Johnson visited with Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles. Johnson went on the 15-day disabled list June 11 with a tight glute. "I won't back away," said Johnson, who also had a back operation 11 years ago. "I'm eager to still pitch. I've tackled this twice before."

Via AP

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Unit Goes To DL

Manager Bob Melvin announced Friday that Randy Johnson will not make his scheduled start today against the Orioles and has been placed on the disabled list because of glute tightness.

Melvin said Johnson began feeling it while playing catch in Phoenix this week, although he also said that the injury probably is related to Johnson's sciatic nerve. During spring training, Johnson had to delay his throwing schedule a few days after he felt irritation in the nerve.

Melvin said Johnson underwent an MRI exam Friday. The club still was waiting for the team doctors to review the results but acted swiftly in placing Johnson on the DL.

"We are going to err on the side of caution," Melvin said. "I said that from Day 1. That's how we're going to handle it. We're not going to run him out there in a situation where it could get worse."

Via Arizona Republic

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Unit Getting The Rocket Treatment From Arizona

Since Roger Clemens signed with the Yankees and was given the freedom to leave the team on days he is not pitching, Johnson has gotten the same kind of privileges from the Diamondbacks. He has not accompanied the team to the past two cities in which he was not scheduled to pitch.

Via New York Times

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