Josh Johnson Still On The Shelf For Marlins

MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – The Florida Marlins have been tight-lipped about ace pitcher Josh Johnson since he initially went down with shoulder problems.

That changed after a Wednesday report from SI.com's Jon Heyman that said Johnson had been shut down for the rest of the year with shoulder inflammation issues. The Marlins reacted with surprise about Heyman's report.

Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest told mlb.com that Heyman's report was "news to him." Marlins skipper Jack McKeon and pitching coach Randy St. Claire have also denied the report to mlb.com.

Johnson's rehab would involve at least four to seven days of work before he ever moved to pitching off a mound. He would then have to pitch a simulated game and make two or three rehab starts.

Johnson hasn't pitched since mid-May when his fastball's speed went from 95-97 miles per hour to around 90 miles per hour, according to mlb.com. Johnson has been on the disabled list ever since May 17.

For the season, he was 3-1 with a 1.64 ERA before going down with an injury.