Pawtucket Red Sox: Who is hot and not
By Rick McNair
Mar 24, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brian Johnson (78) throws against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Brian Johnson – HOT!
The 24-year-old left-hander continues to make a statement. The most notable statement was a pitch count limited six perfect innings with nine strikeouts. Johnson has consistently been able to locate three quality pitches and will occasionally exceed 95 mph with his fastball.
Johnson is a fast worker with a deceptive delivery in which he hides the ball rather well. The key, unlike Owens has been some significant control improvement. In April Johnson registered a BB/9 of 3.86 and in May it dropped to 2.10 and is 2.13 for June.
Johnson, thanks to improved control, now has the second best WHIP in the IL at 1.06. In his last start Johnson pitched seven innings allowing one earned run while walking two and fanning six.
Johnson has little to prove in the IL. The Red Sox have been cautious on Johnson’s pitch counts and that has two potential possibilities. (1) Is the protection factor and (2) keep that number down since he may soon be in the rotation in Boston.
The question with Johnson is not if he will be in Boston, but when.