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Johnson makes return to mound in series opener

Jun 18, 2007 - 1:47 PM Florida (33-37) at Chi White Sox (28-37) 8:11 pm EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Josh Johnson will make his return to the mound on Monday as the Florida Marlins begin a three-game series with the Chicago White Sox.

Johnson (NR) has not pitched in the majors since September 12, when he was pulled from a start with a stiff biceps muscle in a start against the New York Mets.

The injury was eventually diagnosed as ulnar nerve irritation, which has halted the his ability to follow up his surprise rookie season in which he went from the bullpen to fourth-place in the National League Rookie of the Year balloting as a starter.

The righthander went 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 31 games - including 24 starts - last season. In preparation for his meeting with Chicago, Johnson made three minor league rehabilitation starts, where he yielded only three runs in 15 1/3 innings with 16 strikeouts.

Jose Contreras (4-7, 4.64 ERA) will look to recover from his shortest start since Opening Day in his first regular-season start against Florida, although he did log a start against the Marlins in the 2003 postseason as a member of the New York Yankees. Contreras surrendered seven runs and seven hits in just 3 1/3 innings of Tuesday's 7-3 loss to Philadelphia.

Both teams will be aiming to end their respective stretches of poor baseball. The Marlins have dropped six of their last eight contests, which is relatively small compared to Chicago's 4-17 record over its last 21 contests.