Yankees’ Johnson Might Skip Playoffs

New York Yankees left-hander Randy Johnson has a herniated disk in his lower back, an injury that could prevent him from pitching in the American League playoffs next week.

The injury was discovered during an MRI exam Thursday. After being examined by team physician Stuart Hershon and back specialist Paul Kuflick, Johnson received an epidural injection Friday.

“Hopefully that will ease the discomfort,� Yankees Manager Joe Torre said.

“If it doesn’t ease the discomfort, I’m not sure he’s going to be able to pitch. But we don’t expect that to be the case.�

Johnson, who turned 43 on Sept. 10, is expected to play catch today and throw a side session Sunday at Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees wouldn’t specify which disk is herniated but said it’s not the one that caused Johnson to have back surgery in 1996.

Chien-Ming Wang and Mike Mussina will pitch the opening two games of the best-of-five series against Detroit or Minnesota at Yankee Stadium. Johnson is scheduled to pitch Game 3 on the road next Friday.

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Cleveland Indians ace C.C. Sabathia underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, two days after he shut out the Chicago White Sox for eight innings in his final start this season. Torn cartilage was removed in the 35-minute procedure at the Cleveland Clinic.