It’s been almost a year since Randy Johnson , visited a Major League pitching mound but Monday night the Big-Unit will start for the first time since June 28. Since then, Johnson has been rehabbing from surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back. After two rehab-starts at AAA-Salt Lake, the 44 year old Johnson feels ready to resume his roll back in the big leagues and will make his 2008 debut against the Giants at AT&T Park in San Francisco.
Countering for the Giants will be left hand pitcher Jonathan Sanchez (0-1, 6.30 ERA). Tonight, Sanchez will be making his third start of the season. The last time out the 25-year-old tossed six innings of shut-out ball against San Diego but did not figure in the decision.
The D-Backs, winners in eight of their last 10 games and leaders of the National League Western Division, are favored with a money line price of -132 with a game total of 8-runs according to odds makers at online wagering giant Sportsbook.com , Arizona is getting +120 on the run line (-1.5) while the price of a Giants RL bet (+1.5) is -140.
The Diamondbacks lost to Colorado 13-5 as a -110 favorite on Sunday. The 18 runs scored went well OVER the posted over/under total (9.5). Jeff Salazar had three RBI for the Diamondbacks, while Edgar Gonzalez took the loss after allowing three runs on five hits in three innings.
The Giants defeated St. Louis 7-4 as a -135 favorite on Sunday. The 11 runs scored went OVER the posted over/under total (8). John Bowker homered and drove in four runs for San Francisco, while Tim Lincecum allowed two runs and struck out 11 in six innings in the win.
