Annoying Tomahawk Chop. No Stanton. Disappointment Ensues.

September 26, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Josh Johnson (55) pitches in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

Josh Johnson went six innings last night, striking out seven while yielding two earned runs and four unintentional walks.  However, the still Stanton-free and now Ruggiano-free offense was unable to provide any run support, so the Fish went down 3-0, the 17^th shutout of the season.

Stanton is still nursing a torn intercostal, but was able to take some BP last night.  His power seems to be a long way off of his norm, as his BP shots were only reaching the second deck of Turner Field.  Car windshields aren’t off scot-free yet, as he is listed as a “maybe” for tonight. Ruggiano’s diving catch the other night has now been diagnosed as a shoulder sprain, and has ended his season.  The prognosis is pretty good, as the current thinking is that the injury will not require surgery.

Atlanta closer Craig Kimbrel notched his 40^th (yes, Heath, fortieth. As in a multiple of ten) save of the year, fanning four in the ninth. Donovan Solano reached on a dropped third strike. Solano also hit a single in the second inning, extending his streak to six consecutive games with a base hit.

Dan Jennings and Tom Koehler pitched an inning of relief each, and struck out one batter each. Neither gave up a hit, a run, or a walk.

The final road game of the season is in Atlanta tonight, with Jacob Turner facing Atlanta’s Tommy Hanson.