Arizona’s Johnson on Disabled List

The Arizona Diamondbacks put Randy Johnson on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right knee Monday and hope he’ll be able to return to the rotation Sunday. The move is retroactive to April 12.

Johnson has been experiencing inflammation and swelling in his right knee since his last start on April 11. He was initially scheduled to return last Wednesday but was scratched. The team later determined after a weekend throwing session that Johnson would not be able to start as scheduled today at Montreal.

“While yesterday’s session showed us some encouraging signs, after consulting with our training staff I felt it was in ours and Randy’s best interest to give the knee a few more days of rest,” Manager Bob Brenly said. “If he continues to show improvement as he did over the last few days, we’ll set our sights on him making the start on Sunday in New York.”

“As always, we’re going to err on the side of caution, because this is still a very long season and we want Randy there for the long haul,” Brenly said.

The Diamondbacks (7-12) are tied with San Diego for last place in the National League West, getting little production from aces Johnson and Curt Schilling. The two combined for 47 wins last season but have only one so far in 2003.

Arizona recalled right-hander Brandon Webb from triple-A Tucson to replace Johnson.

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New York Yankee closer Mariano Rivera gave up one hit during a scoreless inning in an extended spring training game. It was the first game action for Rivera since spring training. He started the season on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained right groin he suffered after his final pitch during a game March 24.

Rivera said he will likely make another appearance in a minor league game Wednesday. The right-hander could rejoin the Yankees later this week.

His teammate, shortstop Derek Jeter, has started catching the ball during throwing sessions as he increases the on-field part of his rehabilitation for a dislocated left shoulder.

Jeter caught and made 70 throws -- including long toss. He also fielded around 100 easy grounders while positioned on the grass in front of the infield dirt. The five-time All-Star, who is expected to out at least another three weeks, resumed throwing late last week, but wasn’t allowed to catch the ball.

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Rickey Henderson will sign this week with a team in the independent Atlantic League, his agent said. Henderson is 44.