With the M's fireballer heading to the DL for at least a few weeks, I'd thought we should know something about his replacement.
Steve Johnson, son of davey Johnson - yes that Davey Johnson, former MLB player and coach
Right handed, 6'1', 220 pounds, 28 years old
Drafted by Dodgers in 13th round of 2005 draft. Made MLB debut in July 2012 for Orioles.
He has 59+ innings in the MLB, with 4.25 ERA... nothing special numbers... and while throwing over 1000 innings in minors, still nothing makes him stand out.
This year for Tacoma though, he so far has almost stopped walking people. Before this year, his walk rate was well over 4 per 9 innings. this year he has walked 2 in 16 innings, while still striking out 20. Not the MLB competition, but it is something.
Johnson throws 66% fastballs, 14% curve, 14% change up, and the occassional slider.
Fastball is 90 MPH give or take, with a slllloooow curve (under 70 mph), and change that is roughly splits those two other pitches at 79 mph... so he sounds like another Peralta, but??? we will have to see... but I am missing Zych already.