Boston Red Sox: Brian Johnson injured during start for Pawtucket
By Tommy Butler
Possibly more bad news for the Boston Red Sox pitching staff as likely fill-in starter Brian Johnson leaves start with injury.
More bad luck for Boston Red Sox pitcher Brian Johnson, who left his start for Pawtucket on Saturday. After only 1.2 innings, Johnson slipped on the mound, hurting his right leg.
Paw Sox manager, Kevin Boles, told reporters after the game that the move was precautionary. Even so, it’s not clear whether or not Johnson will make his next start.
Red Sox manager, John Farrell, said that Johnson left because of a cramp. Either way, the injury seems minor, something to be thankful for.
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If Johnson does miss his next start, it will be another obstacle added to his long list of bad luck during his baseball career.
Moving Forward
With Boston Red Sox lefty Eduardo Rodriguez out with an injury, there is a rotation spot on the roster that Johnson was likely to fill.
The last game he pitched in the big leagues, he finished with a complete game shutout. It was the first and only complete game shutout by Red Sox pitchers this year.
Johnson was looking great in the game against the Durham Bulls before he was injured as well. He had recorded five outs, all strikeouts and only given up two singles. 19 of his 26 pitches were strikes.
Other possible fill-ins
If Brian Johnson can’t take the start against the Detroit Tigers next weekend, the Red Sox will have to look elsewhere.
Other options for E-Rods spot include Henry Owens, Kyle Kendrick and Hector Velazquez. None of those options are nearly as favorable as Johnson.
Owens has had trouble hitting the strike zone consistently. He has a 4.04 ERA in Pawtucket and averages nearly seven walks per nine innings.
Velasquez and Kendrick have both pitched for the major league club this year but were ineffective in their starts.
At least, with David Price quieting some doubters with his win against the Orioles, they won’t have to fill two spots.
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Let us know who you think would be your second choice if Brian Johnson can’t take the mound.