Red Sox pitcher Brian Johnson’s chances of making the roster
As the Boston Red Sox roster continues to take shape, one player hoping to make the cut is 28-year-old pitcher Brian Johnson.
With spring training well underway, the excitement for Opening Day is increasing every day. Boston Red Sox fans have had a chance to see some of the minor leaguers perform, and there’ve been many who’ve impressed. In terms of the 25-man roster for the upcoming year, nothing looked like it would change too much – a World Series-winning roster is hard to tamper with for any team. There’ll be minor changes, for sure, and there’ll still be plenty for players to play for, in terms of the remainder of the spring. One player who’ll be on the bubble for the regular season roster is lefty pitcher Brian Johnson.
Johnson, who had a fantastic college career at the University of Florida, has endured ups and downs since getting his break into the majors. He was drafted by the Sox with the 31st overall pick in the 2012 draft, and finally got his break with the Sox in 2015 – but only pitched in one regular season game.
2017 saw him feature in five games before getting his breakthrough year last season, appearing in 38 games. Over the course of the 2018 season, Johnson was used out of the bullpen and as a starter. He maintained a capable ERA of 4.17 over 99.1 innings.
Johnson’s undergone several injuries but he did show that he’s got the stuff to be a permanent MLB pitcher. After a good personal year, both in the majors and minors, Johnson was left off of the postseason roster – where the Sox went on to win it all. Johnson remained an important part of the regular season journey for the Sox and will have a World Series ring to show for his efforts throughout his journey thus far.
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With the abilities the Red Sox currently possess within their staff, it’s going to be hard for anyone that’s not a lock to make a run at being a part of the day-to-day roster this upcoming season. Right now, the starting rotation is a lock. And, barring any injuries, will remain the same for the majority of the season.
Where there’ll be chances is in the bullpen. With the loss of Joe Kelly and the ominous decision not to bring back elite closer Craig Kimbrel, there’ll be many spots to fill with other talents. Whether it comes from last years relievers or minor league help, this will have to be molded quickly.
What the Sox do have to be careful of is players’ options. Johnson was called up from AAA and demoted again many times over the last year – he’s currently one of the many pitchers that Boston has who have no minor league options remaining. If Johnson was not to make the roster for the Sox, he’d most likely end up being traded away.
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With one appearance this spring, so far, Johnson will remain with the Sox at this moment in time. He’ll need to become the pitcher that he has been at a more consistent rate. With the holes that have been created in this bullpen, Johnson should be one of the leading contenders to lock down a place. The one thing that does affect this, though, is the options factor. Johnson will need to find his game quickly this spring and maintain it to the highest level possible, only then will he be a definite for the Sox’s staff.