Josh Johnson shut down for the year by Toronto Blue Jays

Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The Josh Johnson saga continues for the Toronto Blue Jays.

According to Gregor Chisholm, who covers the Blue Jays for MLB.com, Johnson will be shut down for the remainder of the season after meeting with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. The good news is that despite Dr. Andrews’ recommendation, Johnson won’t require surgery. Johnson was advised to not attempt throwing for at least a couple of weeks.

Johnson last pitched for the Blue Jays on August 6th but has since been shut down with a previously reported forearm strain. His struggles have been well-documented since he was acquired from the Blue Jays in the Miami Marlins blockbuster and the upcoming free agent sports an unattractive 6.20 ERA and 1.66 WHIP, but for those who like their glass half-full he has struck out 83 batters in 81.1 innings.

The Blue Jays aren’t saying whether or not they will offer a qualifying offer for Johnson this offseason but Chisholm provides us this quote from GM Alex Anthopoulos.

"I think you wait, because you see how he recovers and responds. They want him to get up off the mound at the end of the season, so that will tell us a lot as well. The fact that we don’t have to make a decision today, why not take the time to get more information?"

Only time will tell what will happen with Johnson. I’ve been saying it for months now but Chisholm hints that the Blue Jays won’t offer to qualify Johnson. Even if he hits free agency, Johnson may be forced to sign a one-year deal and hope for a bounce back season in 2014.