Walking wounded report

It's time to do an update on the Walking Wounded.

First up: Josh Johnson .

Encouraged by a couple of Gulf Coast League starts, the Marlins are advancing Josh Johnson to pitching in games for Class A Jupiter in the Florida State League.

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Johnson is lined up to make his first rehab start for Jupiter on Thursday night. 

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If he keeps progressing, there is a realistic chance that he could be activated by the Marlins sometime in July -- best-case scenario. But if he needs a few more weeks, then August would become the time frame.

Once again, recovering from Tommy John surgery is not a linear progression.  Normally there will be setbacks along the way.  If Johnson is ready to pitch for the Marlins by time the team makes the September call-ups, that will be a success.  And a welcomed one, but there is no need to rush him back to majors.

Second in the order: Josh Willingham.

...outfielder Josh Willingham (low-back strain) is playing rehab games for Double-A Carolina. On Tuesday night, he had an RBI double.

The earliest Willingham, who has been on the disabled list since April 28, would join the Marlins is when they return home on June 24 against Tampa Bay.

I hate to be the proverbial stick in the mud but Willingham, to me, has way to go before rejoining the team.

So far, he is 3 for 13 with 2 doubles and only one RBI in Carolina.

It will be great to have a totally rehabbed Willingham back, but he isn't there yet and Gonzo is doing a pretty decent job of holding down the fort.

Lumping all the rest together.

Outfielder Brett Carroll (separated right shoulder) is doing range-of-motion and strengthening exercises. Outfielder Alejandro De Aza (right ankle sprain) is not running for about another week.

Right-hander Sergio Mitre (right forearm strain) threw a bullpen session on Tuesday. Reliever Henry Owens (right shoulder surgery) is doing strengthening activities.

Right-hander Anibal Sanchez (shoulder surgery) threw a simulated game on Tuesday. August would be the earliest Sanchez would be ready.

None of these guys are anywhere close to ready and I would be surprised to see one of them play for the Marlins this year.  Could it happen?  Uh, yeah, maybe, but I wouldn't bet the rent money on it.

And that concludes today's, Walking Wounded Report.