Randy Johnson Returns

Randy Johnson, who hadn’t pitched for the Seattle Mariners since May 12, was activated Tuesday and pitched two innings of scoreless relief against the Cleveland Indians. He pitched the sixth and seventh innings and gave up only one hit.

Mariner Manager Lou Piniella said Johnson, who won the AL Cy Young Award last season after going 18-2, will be used in middle relief until he was ready to start again.

Johnson (5-0) made eight starts before he was sidelined because of a bulging disk, which caused shooting pain down his right leg and cramps.

He pitched two innings in a rehabilitation assignment in class-A Everett on Saturday night and reported no pain. He struck out five.

To make room for Johnson, the Mariners optioned left-hander Tim Davis to Triple-A Tacoma.

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David Cone, pitching off a mound at Yankee Stadium for the first time since undergoing surgery for an aneurysm in his right shoulder on May 10, threw “free and easy” for 10 minutes and said he “felt great.” . . . Tony Gwynn, sidelined more than a month because of an ankle injury, was removed from the disabled list and Rob Deer was designated for assignment. . . . The Cleveland Indians placed Julio Franco on the 15-day disabled list because of his recurring hamstring injury, and called up left-handed pitcher Kent Mercker from Triple-A Buffalo. . . . The Detroit Tigers, whose 6.61 ERA is the worst in the majors, claimed pitcher Todd Van Poppel off waivers today from the Oakland Athletics and designated pitcher Tom Urbani for assignment. . . . Colorado Rocky outfielder Larry Walker will begin a minor-league rehabilitation assignment tonight. He has been out since suffering a broken left collarbone June 10. . . . The New York Mets placed infielder Butch Huskey on the 15-day disabled list because of a sore left knee. First baseman Roberto Petagine was recalled from triple-A Norfolk.