JJ to get first Spring swings

There will be no designated hitter in Monday’s Grapefruit League game at Roger Dean Stadium. So that means, Josh Johnson will be taking his first swings of Spring Training.

The Marlins are starting Johnson, and looking to throw him three or four innings. Atlanta is countering with Tim Hudson in the 1:05 p.m. ET start.

Before Johnson was shut down last year due to a back injury and sore right shoulder, he was instructed only to swing the bat when necessary. So frequently, he would take pitches rather than risk tweaking his back.

The Marlins pitchers have been hitting in the cages of late.

Monday is an exception on the Marlins’ pitchers hitting. The team plans on having them hit regularly beginning on March 22.

Marlins lineup:

1) Chris Coghlan, CF

2) Omar Infante, 2B

3) Hanley Ramirez, SS

4) John Buck, C

5) Logan Morrison, LF

6) Wes Helms, 1B

7) Scott Cousins, RF

8) Donnie Murphy, 3B

9) Josh Johnson, P

– Joe Frisaro