Red Sox Prospect Watch: Aftermath of the MLB Draft
By Mike El-Far
Boston Red Sox
As of right now, the Red Sox only have one prospect on their roster. That would be the former 2012 1st-round pick, Brian Johnson. Johnson was called up to make the start on Friday, June 9 against the Detroit Tigers. It would not be a spot start though, as Eduardo Rodriguez injured himself in the previous series against Baltimore.
The last time Johnson pitched in the majors, he threw a complete game shutout against the Seattle Mariners at the end of May. Unfortunately, Johnson didn’t fare as well against the Tigers. He only went 4 1/3 innings while throwing 105 pitches.
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Even more alarming, Johnson gave up two home runs during his start. What was not great about Johnson’s outing was the fact that he could not control some of his pitches. He was only able to record two strikeouts, which were his career low. For a frame of reference, he struck out eight Mariners and six Blue Jays this year.
Johnson should be in the rotation until Rodriguez comes back from injury. Johnson is a better option than anyone in the system that would be MLB ready right now. Also, there is a chance that he could be in the rotation for the rest of the year.
Clearly, Drew Pomeranz has been dreadful during his time in Boston. The only glimmer of success was his time in the bullpen in the playoffs. If Pomeranz continues to struggle, he could be kicked out of the rotation and banished to the bullpen when E-Rod comes back. And Brian Johnson would take over as Boston’s 5th starter.