Johnson threw only fastballs Thursday, and he will not debut his sweeping slider for two or three more mound sessions.
Stottlemyre said he wanted the pitchers, especially Brown, to ease into camp and avoid a repeat of last season's injuries. Brown pitched off a mound Thursday, even though he had not planned to. He is trying to protect his creaky back and did not throw with maximum effort, pleasing his coach.
"I noticed a difference in Kevin Brown today," Stottlemyre said. "It actually made me smile. He looked much more mechanically sound today than he did at this point last year."
Stottlemyre said he was excited about the rotation last spring, too, before injuries caused the Yankees to scramble. Keeping these starters sound will be pivotal, and the legend beneath the ice packs will lead the way.
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