Johnson Outing Fans Interest

Randy Johnson, the Mariners’ Cy Young winner from last season, has been confirmed for a rehabilitation start with the JetHawks on Friday night against the San Jose Giants at the Hangar.

Johnson, recuperating from a back problem, will throw two innings or 40 pitches before yielding to Greg Wooten, the scheduled starter that night.

Grass seating is all that is available for the game.

“The last two days have been unbelievable,” said Kevin Younkin, director of ticketing, of sales since news broke of Johnson’s start. A crowd of 5,700 is expected.

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First baseman Shawn Buhner fouled a ball off his right foot on Sunday. Initial X-rays were negative, but Buhner and trainer Rob Nodine are pessimistic about a second set of X-rays, which are scheduled to be taken today.

If his foot is broken, Buhner will be out for the season. With no available infielders in the Mariner organization, the JetHawks would have to use catcher Dusty Wathan as the backup to James Clifford at first base.

Chad Soden, a left-handed reliever, has joined the JetHawks, boosting the bullpen back to six pitchers. The JetHawks, who have carried seven relievers for most of the season, had been down to five because of injuries.

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Tonight’s Game:

High Desert (Joe Rhodes, 3-8, 5.40) at JetHawks (Marino Santana, 7-10, 4.47), 7:15.