Johnson won’t let injury issues slow him down
Cubs outfielder Reed Johnson knows only one way to play, and sometimes that can be hazardous to his health.
Johnson did not start in Monday night’s series opener against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field after going 6-for-18 with 2 homers on the just-concluded homestand.
Johnson also made a nice diving catch of a flyball down the line. The veteran outfielder was fresh off the disabled list because of back spasms. Cubs manager Mike Quade wouldn’t mind seeing Johnson dial it down a notch with the reckless abandon. As tough as it might be to do, Johnson knows it’s advisable to do that at times.
“As far as playing hard, it’s probably a smart thing to do sometimes,” Johnson said. “But like yesterday, that double I hit down the line, there’s really no chance for a triple. Normally, you’re busting out of the box sprinting into second base as hard as you can hoping that he’ll fumble it. At the same time, you’ve got to take care of your body and take care of the long term as well. For the most part, it’s hard for me to play that way.
“If there’s a ball down the line or in the gap, it’s going to be tough for me to back off.”
This is Johnson’s second stint with the Cubs. Part of the reason they re-signed him was because of his approach.
“For me, it’s just kind of been the way I’ve been throughout my career,” he said. “It’s really the only way I know how to play the game. If I play any different, it’s not going to be right. I won’t be making the same plays. To me, it’s more good habits.”
Making progress: Center fielder Marlon Byrd was playing catch and sprinting in the outfield as he rehabs from the facial fractures that put him on the disabled list a month ago. Byrd wants to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment soon, but Cubs people say the doctors will have the final say. An early July return seems realistic.Second baseman Darwin Barney, who has been on the DL since June 15, said his sprained left knee is feeling #147;much better,#148; and he has stepped up his workouts.DH doings:The Cubs began a stretch Monday of six straight games in American League parks, which means using the designated hitter in all of those games. Alfonso Soriano was the DH Monday, and Mike Quade said Aramis Ramirez would get the call Tuesday.#147;It#146;s a pleasure, it truly is,#148; Quade said. #147;I love the National League rules and much prefer them for a ton of reasons, but when you do get these little stints where you#146;ve got six games in a row with the DH, you get players involved. Handling your pitching to me just becomes handling your pitching. You don#146;t have decisions to make with the score in the seventh inning with your pitcher due up. A guy pitches until it#146;s time to take him out, and that#146;s all you have to concern yourself with.#147;There#146;s plenty to like about it in the short time we#146;re doing it.#148;