But Johnson has pitched only slightly less effectively this season working with three days' rest instead of the customary four or more.

For two months of this season, though, Johnson pitched at a lower volume.

On May 18, 2004, Johnson pitched the 17th perfect game in baseball history.

In another year, it might be automatic that Johnson would pitch every fifth day.

Torre let Johnson pitch a little longer, and laughed about it later.

Johnson pitched 418 1/3 innings before his first lengthy season in the majors when he was 25.

Johnson should pitch in many more, of course, but his mystifying season took another wrong turn Sunday.

Johnson (11-7) pitched his second shutout and fourth complete game of the season.

Johnson, 5-0 on the year and 23-2 since 1994, has not pitched since May 12.

Since his final start in May, Johnson has pitched well more often than not.