ATLANTA -- Marlins right-hander Josh Johnson was upset Sunday when manager Fredi Gonzalez refused to allow him to start against the Mets because of the pitcher's flu-like symptoms. But it didn't take long for Johnson to realize it was a smart decision.

``The only thing that upset me [Sunday] was I couldn't pitch for my team and battle for them,'' Johnson said. ``I wanted to go. I was a little upset when I first heard it. But after I tried to get up and walk around, I figured it was a good choice.''

After spending Sunday in bed, Johnson was feeling much better Monday and was penciled in to start Tuesday against the Braves. ``I feel a lot better,'' he said. ``My throat and chest are still not quite there, but they're good enough.''

Johnson is within two outs of recording 200 innings pitched for the first time in his career. He also needs two more starts -- Tuesday's and the season finale Sunday in Philadelphia -- to earn a $25,000 bonus for making 33 starts this season.

``I want to get to that 200-inning mark and be out there for my team,'' he said.

GLOAD WANTS TO STAY

Ross Gload said he would prefer to sign early with the Marlins -- as Wes Helms did last fall -- rather than become a free agent and spend the winter wondering where he might end up.

There is little doubt that the Marlins will decline a $2.6 million club option for Gload but probably would be willing to re-sign their top left-handed hitter off the bench for a lesser amount. Gload set a club record this season with 20 pinch hits.

``I'm not going to break anyone's bank in the free agent market,'' said Gload, adding he has not spoken to club officials about a contract for next season.

Last fall, the Marlins gave Helms a two-year deal worth $950,000 per season.

• Saturday's game against the Phillies has been moved to 4:10 p.m. and will be televised nationally and locally on Fox (Ch. 7).

• Infielder Emilio Bonifacio said he will play winter league baseball in the Dominican Republic. ``I want to work on my bunting and walking -- getting on base more,'' Bonifacio said.

• Outfielder Cody Ross was sounding a bit more optimistic about his chances of playing before the end of the season. Ross has a bruised left wrist. Realistically, he said, the weekend series against the Phillies is the best possibility.

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