Josh Johnson: (Elbow) Resumes Playing Catch

Johnson (elbow) played catch last Thursday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April, MLB.com reports.

Analysis:

Johnson, who was sidelined after throwing just 13 pitches in spring training, cleared the first major hurdle on his long road back from reconstructive elbow surgery last week, playing catch near his home in Las Vegas. He will continue to ramp up his throwing program on into November, and while there is plenty of uncertainty regarding Johnson's future, the prevailing thought is that the Padres would like to have him back next season. However, that does not necessarily mean the team will pick up his $4 million club option for 2015.