| Date | News | Comment |
| Jun 8 2025 | Johnson (1-3) blew the save and took the loss Saturday against San Francisco. He allowed two runs on two hits while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has taken the loss on back-to-back days, this time giving up a two-run homer to Matt Chapman that spoiled Bryce Elder's stellar outing. Johnson has gotten a shot at closing games amid Raisel Iglesias' struggles, but he's posted a 6.23 ERA and 1.73 WHIP over his past 10 appearances, and he has more blown saves on the year (two) than successful conversions (one) . |
|
| Jun 7 2025 | Johnson (1-2) took the loss Friday against the Giants, allowing an unearned run on one hit over one inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After Dylan Lee recorded the first two outs in the ninth inning with the score tied 4-4, Johnson entered the game and gave up a single to Tyler Fitzgerald but promptly picked him off at first base. The right-hander wasn't so fortunate in the 10th, however -- with Fitzgerald at second as the phantom runner, Johnson watched him advance to third on a one-out groundout, and then bounced a curveball well wide of the plate that Sean Murphy couldn't corral to bring home the winning run. Raisel Iglesias appears to be on very thin ice as Atlanta's closer, but performances like this don't make a compelling case for Johnson to replace him. Over his last seven appearances, Johnson has a 6.00 ERA, 1.83 WHIP and 6:2 K:BB in six innings with two losses and a blown save. |
|
| May 14 2025 | Johnson gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday to record his first save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Nationals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Raisel Iglesias was unavailable after pitching Sunday and Monday, but he's also been struggling badly of late and hasn't successfully converted a save chance since May 4. Johnson, on the other hand, reeled off his 10th straight scoreless appearance Tuesday, a stretch in which he's posted a 0.20 WHIP and 10:0 K:BB in 10 innings. While manager Brian Snitker hasn't yet indicated he's contemplating a change in the ninth inning, Johnson is making a strong case for a spot in the closing mix, at least until Iglesias rights the ship. |
|
| May 5 2025 | Johnson struck out two in 1.1 scoreless innings Sunday to record his third hold of the season in a win over the Dodgers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander was expected to be one of Atlanta's top setup men this season, but a bumpy beginning to 2025 moved him down the bullpen hierarchy -- Johnson entered the game in the sixth inning Sunday. He appears to have turned things around however, delivering six straight scoreless appearances with a win, two holds and a 7:0 K:BB. |
|
| Apr 3 2025 | Johnson gave up a hit and a walk over two-thirds of a scoreless inning to record his first hold of the season in Wednesday's loss to the Dodgers. He struck out one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Entering the game in the sixth inning to protect a 5-3 lead is a long way from the high-leverage usage Johnson was expected to see this season, but Atlanta was desperate to secure its first win of 2025. How the setup crew was deployed ended up being moot when closer Raisel Iglesias served up a walk-off homer to Shohei Ohtani. Johnson has been sharp in the early going, posting a 0.00 ERA and 4:1 K:BB through his first 2.2 innings, and once Atlanta gets off the shneid, holds should start to pile up for him. |
|
| Mar 8 2025 | Johnson is expected to open the season as one of Atlanta's primary setup men in front of closer Raisel Iglesias, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson had a solid first full season with Atlanta in 2024 that included a career-high six wins and 12 holds, and he will be counted on to handle more high-leverage duties with Joe Jimenez (knee) out until at least the All-Star break. If Johnson struggles, he could be pushed for late-inning work by Hector Neris, who didn't sign with the team until March 3 but racked up 31 holds as recently as 2023 with the Astros. |
|
| Aug 25 2024 | Johnson picked up the save on Saturday, pitching a perfect ninth inning against the Nationals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson entered the contest with a two-run lead in the top of the ninth and managed to retire the side on just four pitches to secure his second save of the campaign. The right-hander was able to take advantage of a rare save opportunity after Raisel Iglesias hurled three innings over Atlanta's previous two games and likely was in need of some rest. Johnson has not allowed any runs in each of his last four appearances, allowing two hits over that stretch while posting a 2:2 K:BB. |
|
| Aug 1 2024 | Johnson (4-2) picked up the win Wednesday over the Brewers, allowing one hit and one walk over 1.1 scoreless innings. He struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander recorded the final out of the sixth inning in relief of Chris Sale, just in time to watch Atlanta's offense break open a 2-2 tie in the top of the seventh. Johnson has given up only one earned run over his last 13 appearances dating back to June 15, posting a 0.67 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 18:4 K:BB through 13.1 innings over that stretch while pocketing two wins and two holds. |
|
| Jul 26 2024 | Johnson (3-2) took the loss Thursday as Atlanta fell 3-2 in 10 innings to the Mets, giving up an unearned run on a hit and a walk in two-thirds of an inning. He struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander did his job, fanning J.D. Martinez and Mark Vientos before coaxing a flyball from Jeff McNeil down the right-field line for what should have been the third out, but Ramon Laureano over-ran it and let it fall in for a single, allowing the automatic runner to score from second base. Johnson has been charged with an earned run in only one of his last 11 appearances, posting a 0.82 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 14:3 K:BB through 11 innings over that stretch while picking up two holds and a win. A.J. Minter's return from the IL has squeezed Johnson out of consistent setup work, but he remains one of Atlanta's most effective bullpen arms. |
|
| Jun 24 2024 | Johnson gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless seventh inning Sunday to record his eighth hold of the season in a win over the Yankees. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has been sharp in June, getting scored upon only once in eight appearances with a 3.12 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 10:2 K:BB in 8.2 innings. Johnson is quickly closing in on the career-high 12 holds he collected in 2023 as part of Atlanta's high-leverage bridge to closer Raisel Iglesias. |
|
| May 18 2024 | Atlanta reinstated Johnson (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Right elbow inflammation forced Johnson onto the injured list May 4, and he'll now return to Atlanta's bullpen following a minimum-length stay. The 33-year-old righty sports a 3.00 ERA and 1.25 WHIP through 12 innings this season, and he figures to see plenty of action during Atlanta's stretch of 17 consecutive games without a day off. Jackson Stephens was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move. |
|
| May 17 2024 | Johnson (elbow) is expected to be reinstated from the 15-day IL on Saturday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After throwing a live bullpen session Wednesday, Johnson was expected to be activated prior to Friday's series opener against the Padres. However, he'll get one more day for recovery before rejoining the active roster Saturday. Friday's contest is the first of 17 straight, so Johnson's likely to see plenty of opportunities once available. |
|
| May 16 2024 | Johnson (elbow) said he felt good after throwing live batting practice Wednesday, and he's on track to come off the injured list ahead of Friday's game against the Padres, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has been on the shelf since late April due to right elbow inflammation. Johnson has been an effective part of Atlanta's setup crew this season, recording two wins, a save and three holds in 13 appearances with a 3.00 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB through 12 innings. |
|
| May 10 2024 | Johnson (elbow) began throwing off a mound Friday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Just six days after landing on the injured list, Johnson has already been given the go-ahead to throw bullpen sessions. He will presumably throw a few more before progressing to facing hitters, but the 33-year-old righty could be on track to return to Atlanta's bullpen when eligible May 19. |
|
| May 4 2024 | Atlanta placed Johnson (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson has served as the primary right-handed set up man for Atlanta this season. He did not allow a run over his last seven appearances and did not give up a hit over his last five. Johnson has a 3.00 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB over 12 innings this season. Atlanta will likely to lean on right-hander Joe Jimenez for high leverage spots while Johnson is on the shelf. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta transfered left-hander Angel Perdomo to the 60-day injured list. |
|
| Apr 7 2024 | Johnson picked up the save Sunday, giving up one hit and no walks with no strikeouts over a scoreless inning against Arizona. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson handled ninth-inning duties Sunday with closer Raisel Iglesias resting after pitching on back-to-back days. He made good on the save chance, picking up his first save in 29 appearances with Atlanta spanning back to last season. Johnson should return to his usual setup role moving forward. |
|
| Apr 6 2024 | Johnson (2-0) picked up the win Friday, walking one and striking out two in a scoreless 10th inning as Atlanta downed the Diamondbacks 6-5. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He walked a batter for the third straight appearance, but it's mostly been a strong start to the season for Johnson. The right-hander sports a 2.25 ERA and 5:3 K:BB through four innings as part of the high-leverage bridge to closer Raisel Iglesias, and Johnson has seen the most usage of any Atlanta reliever so far. After recording eight holds in 24 appearances for the team last season, he may not have to wait too much longer for his first hold of 2024. |
|
| Mar 15 2024 | Johnson struck out one in a perfect inning of relief during Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 32-year-old right-hander has looked good this spring, posting a 7:1 K:BB over five innings while allowing just one run. Johnson spent some time closing for the Rockies last season before being acquired by Atlanta, and he excelled in a setup role for the NL East champs, delivering a 0.76 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 32:5 K:BB through 23.2 innings while picking up one win and eight holds in 24 appearances. He should resume those duties in 2024 as one of the primary bridges to closer Raisel Iglesias. |
|
| Oct 25 2023 | Atlanta signed Johnson to a two-year, $14.25 million contract extension Wednesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson will make $7 million in both 2024 and 2025, and the new deal also includes a $7 million club option (or $250,000 buyout) for 2026. The 32-year-old right-hander was acquired from the Rockies this past July and went on to deliver a 0.76 ERA and 32:5 K:BB over his final 23.2 regular-season innings with the NL East champions. He then carried that over into the playoffs, logging three scoreless relief appearances in the best-of-five NLDS against the Phillies. |
|
| Sep 8 2023 | Johnson struck out two in a perfect seventh inning Thursday to record his 10th hold of the season in a win over the Cardinals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The former Rockies closer has been very effective in a set-up role for Atlanta, posting a 2.12 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 23:4 K:BB through 17 innings with a win and six holds in 18 appearances. The NL East leaders have a deep bullpen, and Johnson would likely be behind A.J. Minter, Kirby Yates and others in the pecking order for saves should anything happen to Raisel Iglesias, but he's still producing deep-league fantasy value in his current role. |
|
| Jul 24 2023 | Atlanta acquired Johnson from the Rockies on Monday in exchange for Victor Vodnik and Tanner Gordon, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson has offered a mixed bag for the Rockies this season, posting a 6.00 ERA and 1.85 WHIP but also striking out 58 batters across 39 relief innings. The 32-year-old boasts an 11.3 K/9 rate for his career, and clearly Atlanta wanted some of that swing-and-miss ability for their bullpen. Johnson should operate as part of the bridge to closer Raisel Iglesias. |
|
| Jul 1 2023 | Johnson (1-4) allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits to take the loss Saturday against the Tigers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson entered the game in the 10th inning with the score tied at 2-2. However, he served up a single and home run to the first two batters he faced. That snapped a five-appearance scoreless streak for Johnson, during which he maintained an impressive 9:2 K:BB across five frames. Justin Lawrence is seemingly the team's primary closer, though Johnson tallied a save Friday against the Tigers and could continue to see chances moving forward. |
|
| Jun 30 2023 | Johnson allowed a hit and struck out one without walking a batter in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Friday's 8-5 win over the Tigers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson had yielded the bulk of recent save opportunities to Justin Lawrence, who hadn't pitched since Wednesday. This was Johnson's fifth consecutive scoreless outing, and it earned him his first save since June 13. The right-hander has a 6.00 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and 49:20 K:BB with 13 saves and two holds through 33 innings this season. Johnson will likely remain in the late-inning mix despite his shaky numbers. He was the closer for the first two months of the season, but he'd likely have to settle for being part of a committee if he continues to get ninth-inning assignments. |
|
| Jun 14 2023 | Johnson struck out one while recording the final two outs of the 10th inning Tuesday to pick up his 12th save of the season in a 7-6 win over the Red Sox. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander was removed from the closer role last week after posting a brutal 18.00 ERA over six appearances in late May and early June, but with Jake Bird, Justin Lawrence and even Daniel Bard all having gotten the call in the first nine innings Tuesday, Johnson was the last man standing in the bullpen in the 10th and got the job done. None of the Rockies' other options for saves have been pitching particularly well lately -- Bird has a 7.20 ERA over his last eight appearances, while Lawrence has a 5.59 mark during his last eight -- so if Johnson can string together a few more effective performances, he could reclaim the job. |
|
| Jun 9 2023 | Rockies manager Bud Black announced Friday that Johnson has been removed from the closer role, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson officially lost the job after blowing another save in brutal fashion Thursday afternoon against the Giants. He owns a wretched 7.50 ERA in 26 appearances (24 innings) this season, although most of that damage has come at Coors Field -- his road ERA is 2.89. Black named Justin Lawrence and Jake Bird as possible candidates to replace Johnson in the ninth-inning gig. |
|
| Jun 8 2023 | Rockies manager Bud Black said after Thursday's 6-4 loss to the Giants that Johnson's status as the primary closer will be "addressed," Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson was called into Thursday's game with the Rockies leading 4-3 in the top of the ninth inning and promptly gave up three earned runs on two hits and two walks while recording only two outs. He's blown two saves in the last week and his season ERA has risen to 7.50. Justin Lawrence, Jake Bird, Brent Suter and Brad Hand are among the other options at closer for Colorado. Daniel Bard could maybe even get another shot. |
|
| Jun 1 2023 | Johnson (0-2) blew the save and took the loss Thursday against the Diamondbacks. He allowed two runs on two hits and a walk while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson had the Diamondbacks down to their final strike before surrendering a double to Ketel Marte, followed by Corbin Carroll's walk-off base hit. It's Johnson's first blown save of the year despite his 6.85 ERA and 1.88 WHIP through 22.1 innings. While the 32-year-old righty has struggled, Daniel Bard has pitched to a 0.57 ERA. Johnson's grip on the closing job may be slipping. |
|
| May 27 2023 | Johnson pitched a perfect inning to earn the save in Saturday's 10-7 win over the Mets. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson melted down in a non-save situation in his last outing Thursday, but he responded well. He needed just six pitches (five strikes) to set down the Mets' 3-4-5 hitters. While pitching at Coors Field can lead to the occasional blow-up, Johnson has converted all 11 of his save chances this season. He's at a 6.23 ERA, 1.80 WHIP and 29:13 K:BB through 21.2 innings. |
|
| May 23 2023 | Johnson gave up a run on two hits and struck out one over one inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Marlins. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson gave up an RBI double to Jorge Soler, but he was able to protect the lead from there. While he doesn't have a dominant reputation, Johnson has converted all 10 of his save chances this season, including seven in his last nine appearances. He owns a 4.95 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and 27:12 K:BB through 20 innings this season. |
|
| May 22 2023 | Johnson allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Monday's 5-3 win over the Marlins. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson has converted six of his nine saves during May, though he's also allowed five runs over 8.2 innings this month. Monday marked his third straight scoreless outing. He has a 4.74 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and 26:12 K:BB over 19 innings this season while working as the Rockies' primary closer. |
|
| May 17 2023 | Johnson picked up the save Wednesday against the Reds, striking out one over two-thirds of an inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson relieved Riley Pint in the ninth inning, inheriting runners on second and third, coaxing a pop-out from Wil Myers before striking out Jose Barrero to end the game. Johnson is now 8-for-11 in save opportunities. He's managed to stave off Daniel Bard for the ninth-inning job despite a 5.29 ERA and 1.82 WHIP through 17 innings this season. |
|
| May 15 2023 | Johnson allowed one run on two hits and a walk in one inning of work against the Reds on Monday. He earned a save but did not record a strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson entered a 9-7 game in the ninth inning and flirted with danger. He gave up a two-out RBI single to Nick Senzel before closing out the one-run game with a pair of runners on base. Johnson has now converted all seven of his save opportunities despite a 5.51 ERA through 16.1 innings. |
|
| May 10 2023 | Johnson picked up the save in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Pirates. He allowed a hit and a walk while striking out two over one inning scoreless inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson worked around a walk and a two-out double to close out a one-run victory and earn his sixth save this season. The 32-year-old Johnson is now a perfect 6-for-6 in save opportunities despite a subpar 4.40 ERA and 1.74 WHIP. Johnson has been the Rockies' primary closer, while Daniel Bard works lower-leverage situations. Even if Johnson can hold off Bard in the ninth inning, it's hard to put extra faith in a reliever pitching in Coors Field for a last-place Rockies squad. |
|
| May 6 2023 | Johnson gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his fifth save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Mets. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Daniel Bard is being eased back into action after returning to the bullpen Wednesday, allowing Johnson to continue serving as the Rockies' closer for the time being. The 31-year-old righty has an 8.10 ERA at home but a 1.35 mark on the road after Saturday's appearance, and he's a perfect 5-for-5 on save chances with a 20:8 K:BB through 13.1 innings. Even if Bard does take back ninth-inning duties in the near future, Johnson should remain in a high-leverage role for Colorado. |
|
| May 2 2023 | Johnson picked up the save Tuesday against Milwaukee. He did not allow a run while surrendering one hit in one inning of work. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson gave up a one-out double, but shut the door with a ground out and a strikeout for his fourth save. The righty is piling up the punchouts with 17 in his first 11.1 innings. He is perfect in save situations as well, but sports a career-high 1.68 WHIP. |
|
| Apr 6 2023 | Johnson picked up a save against the Nationals on Thursday, striking out two batters in a perfect ninth inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson was called upon in the ninth inning to close out a rare 1-0 Coors Field game, and he succeeded with ease, needing just nine pitches -- eight of which were strikes -- to retire the side in order. The right-hander struck out two in the frame, giving him seven punchouts over three innings so far this season. Daniel Bard was expected to open the season as the Rockies' closer, but he's currently on the injured list while he deals with anxiety. Johnson has stepped in to notch both of Colorado's saves thus far, and he has an opportunity to dig his heels into the closer role with Bard's timeline for a return uncertain. |
|
| Mar 31 2023 | Johnson allowed one hit in a scoreless inning against the Padres on Friday. He struck out two and earned the save. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson worked around a leadoff single and made quick work of the Padres to close out the 4-1 win. He fired 14 of 19 pitches for strikes, including three whiffs, all coming against the curveball. With Daniel Bard (not injury related) unavailable, Johnson got the first save opportunity while Brent Suter and Brad Hand pitched the seventh and eight frames, respectively. |
|
| Mar 12 2023 | Johnson (knee) worked around a walk to pitch a scoreless seventh inning in Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Mariners in Cactus League play. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson was making his first Cactus League appearance in just under a week after experiencing right knee soreness following his previous outing. The knee issue didn't dramatically derail Johnson during his buildup program, so he looks like he'll be ready to go for the start of the regular season. |
|
| Mar 6 2023 | Johnson said Monday that the right knee injury which forced him from an appearance Sunday isn't a concern, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson's knee was a little sore, but it sounds like he was lifted Sunday in large part because he needed 32 pitches to record just two outs. The Rockies are counting on the right-hander to be one of their high-leverage relievers this season, so they'll hope he can get sharper before Opening Day. |
|
| Dec 13 2022 | Johnson's one-year, $5 million contract with the Rockies was formally announced by the team Tuesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A Denver-area native, Johnson posted a 3.39 ERA and 125:44 K:BB ratio across the last three seasons for the Padres. He is in line to serve as a setup man in front of closer Daniel Bard. |
|
| Sep 30 2022 | Johnson (1-2) took the loss and was charged with a blown save against the Dodgers on Thursday, allowing three runs on four hits and one walk while striking out two batters over two-thirds of an inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: San Diego held a one-run lead when Johnson entered in the sixth inning, but he surrendered a hit to each of the first three batters he faced to allow Los Angeles to tie the score. The righty nearly got out of the frame without further damage, but a two-out, two-run single off the bat of Miguel Vargas put the Dodgers ahead and resulted in Johnson's departure. It was the second time this season Johnson has allowed three runs in an appearance, though he's held the opponent scoreless in each of his other 11 outings. |
|
| Sep 10 2022 | Johnson (elbow) was reinstated from the 60-day injured list Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson was sidelined since mid-April due to an elbow injury, but he recently completed a rehab assignment in which he posted a 1.50 ERA and 0.33 WHIP in six innings over six relief appearances. The right-hander picked up five holds over six appearances to begin the season, and it's possible that he works his way into some setup duties for San Diego down the stretch. |
|
| Sep 8 2022 | Johnson (elbow) pitched on one day of rest Tuesday, striking out one batter in one inning for Triple-A El Paso. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was Johnson's sixth appearance since he kicked off a rehab stint with the Padres' ACL affiliate Aug. 23. The righty reliever has allowed only one run over six innings during that stretch while compiling a 7:0 K:BB. Tuesday was the first time he has pitched on one day of rest, and the Associated Press reports that throwing on back-to-back days could be Johnson's final step before he's activated from the 60-day IL. |
|
| Aug 27 2022 | Johnson (elbow) pitched an inning for Triple-A El Paso on Friday, allowing one run on two hits and tossing a wild pitch. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was Johnson's second rehab outing and his first at the Triple-A level (the other appearance was with the Padres' ACL team). The right-hander showed some rust Friday, but it's promising that he's back to throwing in games after landing on the injured list in mid-April. Johnson could be back with the Padres sometime next week. |
|
| Aug 24 2022 | Johnson (elbow) struck out one over a perfect inning in his first rehab appearance Tuesday for the Padres' rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The appearance was Johnson's first at any level in more than four months after the Padres placed him on the injured list April 22 with right elbow tendonitis. The right-hander could make a few more appearances in Arizona before eventually transferring his rehab assignment to Triple-A El Paso or Double-A San Antonio prior to being reinstated from the 60-day IL as soon as next week. Johnson will likely be ticketed for a middle-relief or setup role for San Diego once he's activated. |
|
| Aug 18 2022 | Johnson (elbow) is traveling to Peoria on Thursday to begin a rehab assignment with the Padres' rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson has been on the injured list since April 22 due to right elbow tendinitis, but his rehab assignment represents a significant step forward in his recovery. The right-hander initially hoped to return in mid-to-late August, but it's possible that he ultimately rejoins the Padres sometime in September since he'll presumably require a relatively lengthy rehab assignment. Once he's ultimately healthy, Johnson should have a chance to carve out setup duties for the big-league club down the stretch. |
|
| Aug 8 2022 | Johnson (elbow) is aiming to return from the 60-day injured list in mid-to-late August after recently easing back into his throwing program following a brief shutdown period, MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson, who has been on the IL since late April with right elbow tightness, appeared to be trending toward throwing live batting practices coming out of the All-Star break, but the Padres pulled him off his progression after he experienced lingering soreness. He's since started to ramp up again, and he looks like he could be ready to face hitters by next week, if not within the next few days. Depending on how he fares during his eventual minor-league rehab assignment, Johnson could re-emerge as a key setup man for the Padres down the stretch. |
|
| Jul 10 2022 | Johnson (elbow) has begun throwing bullpen sessions, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson has been on the injured list since April 22 due to right elbow tendinitis, and he wasn't able to resume throwing from a mound until the past week. The right-handed reliever should provide a shot in the arm to the Padres' bullpen upon his return, but that likely won't happen until after the All-Star break. Johnson posted a 4.50 ERA and 1.67 WHIP while recording an 11:4 K:BB over six innings prior to his placement on the IL. |
|
| Jun 29 2022 | Johnson (elbow) has resumed playing catch from about 90 feet, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson will need to increase his throwing distance to about 120 feet before he's cleared to resume mound work. The 31-year-old isn't expected to be ready to return from the 60-day injured list until after the All-Star break. |
|
| Jun 7 2022 | Johnson (elbow) hasn't yet resumed throwing but may do so in mid-June, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's been a slow recovery for the right-hander, who was placed on the injured list April 22 and was at one point considered a candidate to resume throwing in early June. That timeline has been pushed back a bit, but it's still feasible that Johnson could return to the Padres before the end of the month. The veteran reliever will almost certainly need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment given the length of his absence. |
|
| May 29 2022 | Johnson (elbow) could start throwing again in early June, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson has yet to throw since landing on the injured list April 22 with right elbow tendinitis, but he appears to be on the verge of taking that step as he looks to work his way back into action. The right-hander will likely need a ramp-up period before rejoining the Padres' bullpen, and he isn't eligible to be activated until late June. Johnson notched five holds and posted an 11:4 K:BB over six innings before he went down with the injury. |
|
| May 9 2022 | Johnson (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson hit the 10-day injured list in late April with right elbow tendinitis, and while he remains without a clear timetable, he'll now be ineligible to return before late June. The move clears space on the 40-man roster for the Padres to claim Sergio Alcantara off waivers. |
|
| Apr 22 2022 | Johnson was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday with right elbow tendinitis, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson has recorded five holds with a 4.50 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 11:4 K:BB over six innings this season, but he's now sidelined by an elbow injury. Ray Kerr was promoted from Triple-A El Paso to replace him in San Diego's bullpen. |
|
| Apr 19 2022 | Johnson earned a hold against the Reds on Monday, pitching a perfect inning during which he struck out one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander entered in the eighth inning to serve as a bridge to closer Taylor Rogers. Johnson did well in his outing, retiring all three batters he faced on 17 pitches. He has a 5.40 ERA due to one poor outing but has allowed no runs in four of his five appearances overall. Johnson is tied for the MLB lead with four holds on the season. |
|
| Apr 16 2022 | Johnson (0-1) was tagged with the loss in relief Friday against Atlanta after allowing three runs on four hits across two-thirds of an inning. He struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson recorded three holds and didn't give up a run in any of his first three outings of the season, but the wheels came off and he couldn't even finish the eighth inning after entering the game with a 2-2 tie. Johnson tossed 19 of his 28 pitches for strikes, but he simply had a rough day. One bad outing is not going to remove him from his high-leverage role, though, especially since he's posted an ERA below the 3.25 mark in each of his last two seasons. |
|
| Apr 6 2022 | Johnson allowed one run (on a solo homer) over 3.1 innings this spring, and he racked up an 8:0 K:BB. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-handed reliever gave up only one hit aside from the long ball, and he whiffed eight of the 12 batters he faced. Johnson established himself as one of the Padres' top bullpen arms with a solid 2021 campaign during which he posted a 3.22 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 11.8 K/9 across 58.2 frames. Robert Suarez is the most likely candidate to get save opportunities for the team early this season, but Johnson could enter consideration for the role if Suarez struggles. |
|
| Nov 5 2021 | The Padres have exercised their $3 million option on Johnson for the 2022 season, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The righty appeared in 63 games for San Diego in 2021, posting a 3.22 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 58.2 innings. Johnson has put together consecutive strong seasons and is a bargain for the Padres at only $3 million. |
|
| Sep 27 2021 | Johnson (3-4) was tagged with the loss Sunday against Atlanta after allowing one run on one hit and one walk across one inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson pitched the sixth inning, and he gave up the game-winning run when Orlando Arcia doubled Joc Pederson home. Johnson has already made 10 appearances out of the bullpen for the Padres this month but the results have not been encouraging, and he's given up runs in five of his last seven trips to the mound. While he owns a 3.28 ERA on the season, that figure rises to 5.23 when accounting for his 10 outings in September. |
|
| Sep 17 2021 | Johnson started Thursday's game against San Francisco and struck out two while allowing one hit over one inning. He did not factor in the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander worked as an opener for the first time in September and set the Padres off on the right foot, punching out a pair while allowing an infield single after hitting a batter in the first inning. Johnson has posted a 2.92 ERA and 1.20 WHIP along with a 69:24 K:BB across 52.1 frames this season. |
|
| Sep 16 2021 | Padres manager Jayce Tingler said Johnson would serve as the team's opening pitcher in a bullpen game Thursday in San Francisco, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Over the past four days, Johnson has made two relief appearances and tossed 33 pitches in total, so the Padres likely won't ask him to cover more than one or two innings Thursday before turning the game over to the bullpen. The Padres don't have an obvious primary pitcher to follow Johnson, making it difficult to predict which reliever is most likely to factor into a decision. |
|
| Aug 25 2021 | Johnson (3-3) was tagged with the loss Tuesday against the Dodgers after allowing one run on one hit and a walk while fanning two across one inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson worked as the opener in this bullpen game but continued his season-long trend, as he hasn't pitched more than one inning in any of his 49 appearances on the year. Despite that fact, it's worth noting Johnson has recorded multiple strikeouts in six of his last eight outings and owns a 13:4 K:BB in 7.2 innings over that span. |
|
| Aug 24 2021 | Johnson will start Tuesday's game against the Dodgers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has yet to log multiple frames during any of his 48 appearances this season, so it's unlikely that San Diego will ask him to work past the first inning. Nabil Crismatt figures to be a strong candidate to provide length after Johnson in what figures to be some form of a bullpen game. It's also possible the club makes a transaction prior to first pitch to have another multi-inning arm available. |
|
| Jun 29 2021 | Johnson (triceps) was activated from the 10-day injured list ahead of Tuesday's game against the Reds. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson was placed on the IL with triceps inflammation June 19 but was able to throw a bullpen a week later. He's now set to rejoin the San Diego bullpen after a minimal stay on the IL. The right-hander holds a 3.57 ERA and 32:9 K:BB across 22.2 innings this season. |
|
| Jun 26 2021 | Johnson (triceps) is slated to throw a bullpen session Saturday or Sunday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson hit the 10-day injured list with right triceps inflammation last Saturday, but he appears to be on the mend given his scheduled throwing session this weekend. It is unclear if the right-hander will require a minor-league rehab stint before rejoining the Padres' bullpen. |
|
| Jun 19 2021 | The Padres placed Johnson on the 10-day injured list Saturday with right triceps inflammation. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson presumably suffered the injury during his outing Thursday, when he retired one batter and earned the win against the Reds. With a 3.57 ERA in 22.2 innings this season, the righty has been a valuable bullpen piece for the Padres. Daniel Camarena was called up Saturday to replace Johnson on the active roster. |
|
| Jun 17 2021 | Johnson (2-2) retired the only batter he faced and earned the win over Cincinnati on Thursday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mark Melancon allowed four runs in two-thirds of an inning before Johnson recorded the third out in the ninth. San Diego's offense answered with a four-run inning of its own, which gave Johnson his second win of the season. The right-hander has a 3.57 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 32:9 K:BB across 22.2 innings. He's added three holds and a blown save across 27 outings, although he mainly sees lower-leverage assignments. |
|
| Jun 2 2021 | Johnson (1-2) allowed two runs on two walks with one strikeout in two-thirds of an inning in Wednesday's loss to the Cubs. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson walked Nick Martini and Joc Pederson to start the fifth inning. He was able to retire the next two batters, but Tim Hill allowed both inherited runners to score on an Anthony Rizzo double. Wednesday was the second time in 20 outings Johnson has allowed multiple runs. He's posted a 3.63 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 27:8 K:BB across 17.1 innings, mainly in low-leverage assignments. |
|
| May 19 2021 | Johnson struck out three of the four batters he faced in a scoreless 10th inning to pick up the win Tuesday in the Padres' 2-1 victory over the Rockies. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson was dominant in his 16-pitch appearance. He pumped in 11 of his offerings for strikes and drew swings and misses, while four of the five balls he threw came on an intentional walk. With a 3.38 ERA and 12.8 K/9 over his 15 appearances this season, Johnson appears to be gaining the trust of manager Jayce Tingler in high-leverage spots. |
|
| Apr 14 2021 | Johnson (groin) was reinstated from the injured list prior to Wednesday's game against the Pirates. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson broke out last season, logging a 2.70 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 27 strikeouts in 20 innings (24 appearances). Unfortunately, in this bullpen, he is closer to middle relief than the closer's role. |
|
| Apr 6 2021 | Johnson (groin) has pitched in games at the Padres' alternate training site, but it's unclear if he'll come off the injured list for this weekend's series in Texas, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson was diagnosed with a Grade 1 groin strain in mid-March and has been working his way back since. Though he's now participating in games at the alternate site, he may not be ready to return when eligible this Thursday. "We don't [want] to send somebody back before they're ready -- either health or to their standards of being able to get Major League hitters out," manager Jayce Tingler stated when discussing Johnson and fellow injured reliever Austin Adams (elbow). |
|
| Mar 31 2021 | Johnson (groin) faced hitters in a live batting practice session Wednesday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While Padres manager Jayce Tingler has already indicated that Johnson will begin the season on the injured list, the right-hander looks to be tracking toward a minimum-length stay, or close to it. Assuming his groin responds well to Wednesday's throwing session, he may only need to complete one or two more simulated outings before the Padres sign off on his return from the IL. |
|
| Mar 29 2021 | Padres manager Jayce Tingler confirmed Monday that Johnson (groin) would open the season on the 10-day injured list, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson's move to the IL was fully expected after a groin strain had prevented him from making any relief appearances during Cactus League play over the past two weeks. The right-hander does at least appear to be making progress, as he was cleared to resume mound work last week. Assuming he avoids any further setbacks with the calf during his recovery program, Johnson should be ready to return from the IL in the minimum 10 days or shortly thereafter. |
|
| Mar 23 2021 | johnson (groin) completed a bullpen session Tuesday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The activity represents another step in the right direction for Johnson, whom the Padres are hoping can make a full recovery from his strained groin in advance of Opening Day. Johnson could be cleared to face hitters in live batting practice or a simulated game by the end of the week, though he appears unlikely to pitch again during the Padres' Cactus League schedule. |
|
| Mar 21 2021 | Johnson (groin) began playing long toss Sunday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander exited Thursday's contest with a Grade 1 groin strain but made a quick return to throwing after taking it easy for a few days. Johnson may have a tough time ramping back up to game readiness with less than two weeks before Opening Day. |
|
| Mar 17 2021 | Johnson has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 groin strain, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson was removed from Tuesday's spring game against the White Sox due to a groin injury, and he'll have several days of rest before returning. However, the Padres are hopeful that the right-hander will be able to pitch in a few more Cactus League games prior to Opening Day. |
|
| Mar 16 2021 | Johnson was removed from Tuesday's spring game against the White Sox due to groin tightness, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old recorded two outs and gave up one run with two walks and one strikeout before leaving the field with an athletic trainer. The severity of the injury remains unclear, but Johnson figures to be unavailable for a few days regardless. |
|
| Aug 27 2020 | Johnson (3-1) picked up the win while not allowing a baserunner in one inning pitched during Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Mariners. He struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson entered the game with no outs and a runner on third in the seventh after Craig Stammen allowed five consecutive batters to reach and three runs to score. He allowed a sacrifice fly to Austin Nola that extended Seattle's lead to 7-3, but struck out the next two to end the inning. Johnson wound up picking up his third win as the Padres rallied for seven runs in the bottom half of the inning to win the seven-inning tilt. |
|
| Aug 16 2020 | Johnson (0-1) was tagged with the loss Saturday against Arizona after allowing four runs on three hits and a one walk while striking out one in just one-third of an inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson had a disastrous performance Saturday, as four of the five Diamondbacks hitters he faced reached base and, to make things even worse, two of the four runs he got charged with came when he had already left the game. This was Johnson's first loss of the season and it will be an outing he'd like to forget as soon as possible, especially since he was coming off three straight appearances without allowing a hit or a run. |
|
| Jul 30 2020 | Johnson (1-0) pitched 1.1 innings, allowing one hit and striking out one to earn the win versus the Giants on Thursday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Johnson got the last out of the eighth inning in relief of Emilio Pagan, and then added a scoreless ninth. The Padres exploded for six runs in the tenth, making Johnson the pitcher of record. The 29-year-old right-hander typically serves a depth role in the Padres' bullpen -- it's unlikely he'll be in the mix for even spot saves with a relief corps headlined by closer Kirby Yates. |
|
| Dec 23 2019 | Johnson agreed Monday with the Padres on a two-year, $5 million contract that includes a club option for 2022, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old was once a prized pitching prospect in the Cubs organization, but he moved overseas last winter after struggling across his 38 relief appearances in the big leagues between 2017 and 208. While pitching for the Hanshin Tigers of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball in 2019, Johnson generated renewed interest from MLB teams after turning in a dominant season out of the bullpen, compiling a 1.38 ERA and 91:13 K:BB in 58.2 innings. The Padres will add him to an already strong relief corps headlined by closer Kirby Yates, with Johnson likely to fill a middle-innings role initially. |
|
| Jun 19 2018 | Johnson was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday. | Johnson will rejoin the Giants' bullpen as a long-man following Hunter Strickland's placement on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday with a broken right hand. Johnson owns a 5.46 ERA over 31.1 big-league innings this season. |
|
| Jun 16 2018 | Johnson was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports. | Johnson tossed two scoreless innings during Friday's loss to the Dodgers after being recalled earlier in the day, and returns to the River Cats after his one-day stay. First baseman Brandon Belt's (appendicitis) return from the disabled list prompted the move. |
|
| Jun 15 2018 | Johnson was called up to the Giants for Friday's game against the Dodgers, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. | Johnson's stint could be only a day, as the Giants will activate Brandon Belt (appendicitis) from the disabled list Saturday. If Johnson pitches Friday, it will likely be in mop-up action. |
|
| Jun 14 2018 | Johnson will be on the Giants' taxi squad Friday, which hints that he'll be called up from Triple-A Sacramento to join the bullpen, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. | San Francisco won a 16-inning marathon against the Marlins on Thursday, featuring Ty Blach throwing 6.2 shutout innings in relief. He might be the roster casualty as the Giants look to summon a fresh arm in his place. Johnson holds a 5.83 ERA in 23 major-league appearances this season, so if needed, he'll likely serve as a mop-up type. |
|
| May 10 2018 | Johnson allowed six runs on three hits and three walks while recording just two outs in Wednesday's loss to the Phillies. | Johnson was all over the place, as he threw more balls (18) than strikes (17) and had a wild pitch to go along with the three walks. The 27-year-old had been fairly reliable this season up until Wednesday, but the ugly effort pushes his ERA to an ugly 5.60. |
|
| May 1 2018 | Johnson was the winning pitcher of record after firing a scoreless inning (one walk, no strikeouts) in Monday's comeback win over the Padres. | Johnson has been a pleasant surprise for the Giants after earning a bullpen job this spring, posting a 2.57 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over 14 innings. The 26-year-old owns a 3.91 FIP due in large part to his lack of strikeouts (5.8 K/9), but he could work his way up the ladder in a bullpen that lacks reliable right-handed relievers outside of closer Hunter Strickland. |
|
| Mar 27 2018 | Johnson has made the Giants' Opening Day roster, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports. He will be recalled from Triple-A Sacramento. | Johnson was informed that he'll be making his first Opening Day roster just two weeks after being optioned to Triple-A Sacramento. The 26-year-old -- who has just one inning of major-league experience -- is expected to occupy a long-relief role with the club to begin the season. |
|
| Mar 12 2018 | Johnson was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Monday, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. | Johnson spent almost the entire 2017 season with the Cubs organization at Triple-A Iowa. He pitched 54.1 innings across 44 games, posting a 4.31 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in the process. While his control was underwhelming (27 walks), he was able to consistently log strikeouts, as he fanned 74 batters in that time. |
|
| Sep 13 2017 | Johnson was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Wednesday. | Johnson was dropped from the 40-man roster to open a spot for the contract selection of Thursday's starter, Jen-Ho Tseng. The former first-round pick was never able to get things going at Triple-A Iowa, compiling a 5.29 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in 117.1 innings there over the past two seasons. He'll take a spin through waivers to see where his next destination is. |
|
| May 17 2017 | Johnson was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday. | Johnson was recalled to take the place of Jeimer Candelario, who was sent back to Triple-A earlier Wednesday. The 26-year-old owns a 3.21 ERA through with an impressive 13.5 K/9 through 14 innings with Iowa this season, though his 7.1 BB/9 makes his numbers a little less enticing. He should be available Wednesday against the Reds, though he likely won't see any high-leverage roles given the pedigree of arms already in the Cubs' bullpen. |
|
