Johnson struggles for Marlins in loss to Nats

Josh Johnson struggles for Marlins in 9-7 loss to the Nationals

Josh Johnson knows he hasn't pitched much like an ace for the Florida Marlins this spring.

"The mechanics are getting little more consistent, but I'm still not there, " he said after allowing two runs and three hits in 4 1-3 innings as Florida lost 9-7 to the Washington Nationals on Sunday.

Johnson, who won 15 games last year, struck out four but he also walked two and gave up two extra-base hits, including a double to Chris Duncan after he allowed a two-out walk to Ian Desmond in the first inning.

Johnson, who signed a four-year, $39 million contract over the winter, left the game after walking Nationals pitcher John Lannan with one out in the fifth inning on his 80th pitch.