Red Sox Prospect Watch: Production from young players
By Mike El-Far
Boston Red Sox
As mentioned earlier, Sam Travis was called up last week to make his MLB debut. The third best prospect in the system, he was able to get two hits in his debut. While having Travis on the MLB roster is exciting, it pales in comparison to what happened on Saturday at Fenway.
The fifth spot in the rotation has been somewhat lacking in the absence of David Price. Enter the 10th best prospect for Boston, Brian Johnson. The former first round draft pick made only his third start at the MLB level, and his first at Fenway. And he made a hell of a first impression on the Fenway Faithful.
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Johnson was able to pitch a complete game shutout against the Seattle Mariners. The last person to pitch a complete game shutout in their Fenway debut? None other than Pedro Martinez. Clearly, Johnson’s performance is held in high regard.
If you don’t know the backstory about Johnson, here is a quick recap. He has battled through multiple injuries in his professional career, including getting hit with three separate comeback line drives. Also, he had a Tommy John scare, and missed the first two months of 2016 with depression and anxiety.
But, Saturday was not all smiles and roses for Johnson. It was well-known that Johnson was only up to make a spot start with David Price’s DL activation on the horizon. The same day that Johnson pitched a complete game shutout in the major leagues, he was sent down to Triple-A Pawtucket. The good news is that if anything happens to the rotation, it will now be Johnson who gets the first shot.