Atomic RoadRunners

Josh Johnson was lifted after allowing three runs — two earned — in four innings Thursday against the Brewers. The Marlins said there was no injury involved, which means manager Fredi Gonzalez blew it by letting Johnson bat for himself with none on and one out in the top of the fifth. He struck out and the next two batters got hits, but the Marlins never scored in the inning, and they ended up using just one of their bench players in a 5-3 loss. Johnson walked five in four innings and threw 82 pitches in his four innings. He had walked a total of six batters in 50 innings this season. (Rotoworld)

Update: The Marlins are now saying that Josh Johnson had some weakness in his right shoulder before coming out of Thursday’s game. The official word during the game was that there was no injury, but the Marlins said afterwards that there was an area of some concern. “It just doesn’t feel great,” Johnson said. “I wanted to go back out there. It’s not tight. Almost weak. But then I came in here and did all the strength stuff, and they told me it’s not weak. I’ve heard stories of people leaving Colorado and feeling absolutely awful their next start.” Johnson threw eight innings at high-altitude Coors Field five days ago. (Rotoworld)

Mitchell Boggs held the Pirates to one run despite allowing nine hits and two walks over 4 1/3 innings on Thursday night. Boggs wasn’t able to earn a win since he couldn’t get through the fifth inning, as Tony La Russa pulled him after he balked with two runners on base. Boggs was lucky to allow only one run given all the baserunners he allowed. He’ll get the Cubs in his next turn. (Rotoworld)

Jose Reyes is getting the night off Thursday. Alex Cora will start in his place and bat second in the lineup. (Rotoworld)

Brewers recalled third baseman Mat Gamel from Triple-A Nashville. Gamel will likely be held to pinch-hitting duties for the time-being and may be used as a designate hitter when interleague play begins May 22. The 23-year-old was tearing up the minors prior to Thursday’s recall with a .336 batting average, eight home runs, 31 RBI and a mind-boggling 1.075 OPS. Unfortunately he’s a bit of a wild fielder with eight errors committed already at the hot corner. Keep an eye on this blue-chip prospect. (Rotoworld)

Chad Gaudin surrendered four runs in 4 1/3 innings Thursday in a loss to the Cubs. Gaudin gave up just one hit, but he walked seven, bringing his total to 17 bases on balls in 22 innings for the Padres. He’s been effective in two of his four starts anyway, but he’s on a short leash. (Rotoworld)

STANDINGS through 05.14.09