Cards Lose, Johnson Shelved

The Cardinals hoped to extend their winning streak today in a game against the Florida Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium.  Although the pitching was good, the Redbirds lost 3-2.  I was at work all day, and didn’t get to see or hear the game, but I did follow along with the box score.

Todd Wellemeyer started the game, and was followed by Brad Thompson, Adam Ottavino, and Tyler Herron.  The Marlins only picked up three hits.  All three runs were unearned as Cesar Izturis and David Freese combined for three errors.  Rick Ankiel and Brendan Ryan each had a pair of hits, while leadoff hitter Colby Rasmus went 0 for 3 with a walk.

The biggest news of the day came from the bullpen, when lefty Tyler Johnson was shut down after feeling tightness in his shoulder while warming up.  He was evaluated by the team’s medical staff, and never entered the game.  Johnson is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday.

“Any time you stop a guy from throwing, it’s a concern,” said head trainer Barry Weinberg.  “Now we just want to make sure that there’s no significant issue.”

Matthew Leach has more on the story.

If Johnson has to miss considerable time, it would seem to open the door for one of the other left-handed relievers in camp, possible Randy’s brother Ron Flores or new Cardinal Ron Villone.

Tomorrow is the second “Fins and Feathers” game of the spring.  This time the Cardinals will be the home team.  Youngster Kyle McClellan will get the start in place of Joel Pineiro.