Randy Johnson Strikes Out 15 in 13 Innings

Diamondbacks hurler Randy Johnson's 5.40 ERA through his first six starts may be a bit deceptive, if his last two appearances are any indication.

Johnson -- coming back from spinal surgery -- has allowed just one earned run in his last 13 innings, walking one and striking out 15, with the team believing he has rediscovered his Hall of Fame form.

"It look like it to me, definitely," manager Bob Melvin recently told The Arizona Republic.

The Republic noted that it took four starts for the 6-foot-10 lefty to round into form last year, with this year apparently taking just a bit longer.

"He's not thinking about it anymore," Melvin said. "...He's throwing the ball where he wants to."

Much of Johnson's awakening has been attributed not only to his deadly fastball, but the reliability of his slider.