Johnson Will Miss a Second Start

Pitcher Randy Johnson of the Seattle Mariners, who didn’t make his scheduled start against Boston on Monday night, will miss a second start because of tendinitis in the middle finger on his left hand.

Johnson, who leads the majors with 264 strikeouts, tried to throw on the side before Tuesday night’s game against Boston, but could only make six pitches. He then was examined by Dr. Larry Pedegana, a Mariners’ team physician.

While he tentatively had been scheduled to pitch at Colorado on Friday night, his return has been put off.

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Second baseman Roberto Alomar was activated by the Baltimore Orioles before Tuesday night’s 5-4 loss to the Kansas City Royals. Alomar, who had been on the disabled list since July 30 with a pulled groin, aggravated the injury and left in the sixth. To make room for Alomar, the Orioles sent right-hander Esteban Yan to triple-A Rochester.

In another move, Baltimore signed right-hander Billy Swift to a minor-league contract. Swift, released last week by Colorado, will report to Rochester, where he will pitch in relief Friday and Saturday.

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Texas Ranger outfielder Warren Newson underwent surgery to repair a ruptured biceps in his right arm. Newton, who was injured while diving for a fly ball on Sunday against Milwaukee, is expected to miss the rest of the season. . . . The Rangers purchased the contract of pitcher Bryan Eversgerd from triple-A Oklahoma City.