Pirates' Duffy ready to return

Baseball Betting Lines

07/03/2008 - Pittsburgh, PA (Baseball Betting) - The Pittsburgh Pirates recalled outfielder Chris Duffy from his rehab assignment with Double-A Altoona, reinstated him from the 60-day disabled list and then optioned him back to Altoona.

Duffy has not played all season after undergoing surgery last August to repair a torn labrum and rotator cuff in his left shoulder.

The 28-year-old hit .249 with three home runs and 22 RBI in 70 games last season. He is a career .269 hitter with six homers and 49 RBI in 193 games over three seasons, all with the Pirates.

In a related move, the Pirates designated pitcher Bryan Bullington for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Duffy.

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Marlins could start season without No. 2 starter Johnson

JUPITER, Fla. -- The Foorida Marlins are preparing for the likelihood that right-hander
Josh Johnson won't be ready when the season starts April 2.

Grapefruit League action starts Wednesday, but Johnson, penciled in as the No. 2 starter, hasn't even thrown off a mound at full speed since September. He's experienced some soreness in his right forearm.

MySportsbook.com have the Marlins listed with baseball betting lines at +800 to win the NL East this season .

''You guys know the math. If he's not on the hill then he becomes an opening day roster issue,'' manager Fredi Gonzalez said Saturday. ''We're borderline now.''

Johnson, who finished 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 2007, was supposed to throw on flat ground Saturday. That was canceled when he woke up with pain.

He played catch on Wednesday with no pain but felt discomfort in a throwing session on Thursday. He's expected to try again Sunday.

''Like we always said from the very beginning, we're going to take it easy on him,'' Gonzalez said. ''He didn't feel right, so we shut him down. We're going to take it back to step one and see where we're at.''

Among the candidates to take Johnson's spot in the rotation are left-hander Chris George and right-handers Yusmeiro Petit and Jose Garcia.

Right-hander Sergio Mitre, who missed most of last season with arm and shoulder problems, also is behind.

With Johnson's status doubtful, Gonzalez said right-hander Ricky Nolasco will stay in the rotation and no longer will be considered a candidate for closer.

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