Bronx, NY (My Sportsbook) - New York Yankees first baseman/designated hitter Nick Johnson was scratched from the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Anaheim Angels with a sore right hand. Johnson apparently injured his hand during a ninth inning at-bat against Troy Percival in Wednesday's 5-3 loss. The injury is not believed to be serious. The 25-year-old Johnson has struggled the past few years with hand and wrist injuries. In 2000, Johnson missed the entire season with an injured right hand. Last season he was on the disabled list in August with a sprained left wrist and during spring training he was sidelined with a bad left thumb. Johnson has recovered from a slow start and now owns a .308 average in 36 games this season. He has also drawn an American League best 33 walks and boasts an impressive .455 on-base percentage. Todd Zeile took Johnson's spot in the lineup and played first base, as Jason Giambi, who is recovering from an eye infection, remained as the designated hitter. |
