Sunday, September 7, 2008

Arizona's Randy Johnson, six wins shy of 300 career victories, was scratched from today's start against the Dodgers because of a sore left shoulder.

The left-handed Johnson, who turns 45 next week, will be replaced by RHP Max Scherzer.

Diamondbacks Manager Bob Melvin said Johnson will miss one turn, returning to the rotation next Saturday at home against Cincinnati.

"I felt it in my last start against St. Louis, but I pitched through it and the results were what they were," Johnson said before yesterday's game, won by the Dodgers, 7-2. "I played catch today and it felt a lot better than it did yesterday.

"I mean, yes, I could pitch. How effective remains to be seen. But there's no sense in pushing it because I'm not in that situation. If tomorrow was a must-win game and they put their faith in me, then I would go out there and pitch. But that's not the case right now."

Johnson (10-9), winless in his last four starts, gave up four homers to match a career high in 3 2/3 innings in Arizona's 8-6 victory over the Cardinals on Monday.

Originally, he was scheduled to face 354-game winner Greg Maddux today, but Dodgers Manager Joe Torre wanted Clayton Kershaw to pitch to neutralize Arizona's left-handed bats.

· PHILLIES-METS: The remnants of Tropical Storm Hanna washed away the Phillies-Mets game yesterday afternoon in New York and left in her wake an intriguing day-night doubleheader today.

New York will start a three-time Cy Young Award winner, RHP Pedro Martínez, in the first game at 2:15 p.m. and LHP Johan Santana, winner of two Cy Youngs, in the 8:05 p.m. nightcap. The Phillies will counter with a pair of lefties, Jamie Moyer in the first game and Cole Hamels in the second.

Today's games are the last two between the contenders this season.

-- From News Services