Rob Johnson returns; Adam Moore says, "I’m ready" (plus a lineup)

It’s Cliff Lee/Rob Johnson Day, when the Mariners face the Diamondbacks at Tucson Electric Park.

Johnson said yesterday that he’d probably catch four or five innings in his first game back since having offseason surgery on both hips. “But if Cliff goes seven, I’ll go seven,” Johnson added.

My guess is that four or five will be the limit.

Johnson has experienced a few hiccups of soreness with the hips since spring training began, none of it unexpected. Most of all, he’s encouraged with the freedom of movement he has now that he didn’t before. He says it not only allows him to get into catching stances he couldn’t before, the unimpeded movement in the hips are helping with his swing as well. That would be nice for a guy who batted .213 with a .289 on-base percentage last year.

The key for Johnson isn’t just how he fares today but how he feels tomorrow and the days ahead. We’re nearing the halfway point of the exhibition season and he’ll need the reps in order to be ready for the April 5 opener.

Speaking of catching, my story on Adam Moore ran in this morning’s sports section. For those who go straight to this blog (a big thanks), here’s a link to the story.

It’s clear that Moore is confidenct that he’s ready for regular duty in the big leagues, and that the Mariners are seeing an ability to lead a pitching staff now that they didn’t see from him before.

And now, the Mariners’ lineup (with a DH today even though they’re in a National League park):

Corey Patterson, left field

Franklin Gutierrez, center field

Casey Kotchman, first base

Mike Sweeney, DH

Jose Lopez, third base

Ryan Langerhans, right field

Dustin Ackley, second base

Rob Johnson, catcher

Jack Wilson, shortstop

Left-hander Cliff Lee, starting pitcher

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