JJ works 1 2/3 scoreless innings

JUPITER, Fla. — Shaking off the rust didn’t take long for Marlins ace Josh Johnson.

In his Grapefruit League debut against the Cardinals on Monday, Johnson worked 1 2/3 scoreless innings, finishing with 41 pitches.

The right-hander, on a strict pitch count of no more than 45 pitches, struck out two, while allowing two hits and a walk.

Monday marked the first time the Miami ace faced another team since last May.

Johnson’s velocity topped out at 94 miles per hour.

In a perfect first inning, Johnson retired Skip Schumaker on a fly ball to center field. He then struck out Jon Jay looking on a 93 mph fastball. The inning ended when the right-hander struck out Matt Holliday on a changeup.

The second inning was a bit more challenging. After getting two quick outs, Matt Adams singled and Tyler Greene doubled past Hanley Ramirez at third base. Daniel Descalso worked out a walk, loading the bases.

Manager Ozzie Guillen immediately replaced Johnson. Lefty Wade LeBlanc entered and ended the threat by retiring Alex Cora on a fly ball to right field.

In 2011, Johnson went on the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation in mid-May, and he missed the rest of the season.

– Joe Frisaro