Nationals' Reed Johnson sneezes, strains oblique muscle

A frustrating year for Reed Johnson just got unimaginably worse.

The Washington Nationals outfielder hasn't played since April 28 due to a torn tendon in his left calf. He was sent to Single-A Potomac for a rehab assignment Aug. 13 and things were looking promising as he went for 5-for-16 in his first five games.

Then, on Wednesday, news broke that after Johnson was hit by a ball in the ribs, the 38-year-old sneezed – causing an oblique strain.

"Strange happenings," was how Nationals manager Matt Williams described the series of events, which is quite an understatement.

Johnson is currently third among active major leaguers in being hit by 134 pitches in his career, trailing only Alex Rodriguez and Chase Utley.