Johnson pitches pain-free

Randy Johnson was happy to pitch without pain. Still, he was disappointed with the results of his first outing since back surgery.

The Big Unit gave up three runs and four hits, including a three-run home run by Chris Iannetta, in 1 1/3 innings Monday during Arizona’s 10-9 victory over the National League champion Colorado Rockies in Tucson. Johnson walked one and struck out one.

“Minus the results today, there was a lot of positive things,” he said. “But as competitive as I am, I’m still disappointed I would pitch like that.”

The 44-year-old left-hander returned to the mound for the first time since June 28. Last summer, he underwent back surgery for the second time in less than a year, but Monday he said he felt healthy.

“I’ve got a long ways to go, but I’m just happy to be able to get out there and pitch pain-free,” Johnson said.

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Former Dodger Hideo Nomo got a spring training win in his quest to earn a job with the Kansas City Royals.

The 39-year-old Nomo, who has not pitched in the major leagues since 2005 and had elbow surgery in 2006, gave up two runs in three innings in a 15-6 victory over San Francisco. He has a 2.25 earned-run average in three spring starts.

“I’m comfortable with the way he’s progressing,” Royals Manager Trey Hillman said.

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Chicago Cubs second baseman Mark DeRosa returned to the lineup 1 1/2 weeks after a procedure in Chicago to correct an irregular heartbeat.

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Texas Rangers pitcher Brandon McCarthy probably will start the season on the disabled list because of inflammation in his forearm.