JOHNSON IS YANKS FIRST CASUALTY

According to a report on CNN.SI.com, Yankee DH Nick Johnson has stopped taking batting practice due to the lingering effects from an wrist injury that occured last August. Though an MRI was negative, a discouraged Johnson has shut it down for the time being:

“It’s a concern because it’s something that’s lingered,” Yankees manager Joe Torre said Friday. “You don’t know how quickly he can recover from this. He’s shut down until we find out what the best course of action is.”

“I’m pretty concerned,” Johnson said. “It doesn’t feel too good.”

“It’s too bad,” Torre said. “This young kid has had some problems and really hasn’t had a chance to get on track. He has a great deal of potential. He’s a good kid and wants it badly.”