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Tigers uncertain if and when Johjima can catch again

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Tigers uncertain if and when Johjima can catch again

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Tigers uncertain if and when Johjima can catch again

Hanshin Tigers manager Yutaka Wada said there is no telling when Kenji Johjima will be able to catch again.

''I don't know when that will be,'' Wada said of Johjima's return behind the plate, before giving his team its first day off of the spring on Monday.

The 35-year-old Johjima has had two surgeries on his left knee and injured his right throwing elbow last season when he was limited to just 38 games.

So far this spring in Okinawa, the former Seattle Mariner has been working out at first base and in the outfield, not at catcher where he became a six-time Pacific League All-Star and the 2003 MVP with the Softbank Hawks.

While the ball still jumps off his bat, Johjima's creaking knee allows him to crouch only in spurts and when he throws, he throws gingerly to protect the elbow.

The Tigers finished fourth last year with a 68-70 record and will need Johjima's leadership on and off the field to claw their way back into contention, regardless of where he plays.

''It's not my position, but I'll do the best I can,'' Johjima said. ''I can't afford to get injured again -- no matter what. For me, baseball isn't something you watch on TV.''

Published on Tuesday, 07 February 2012