Washington Nationals: 5 to watch at home versus Atlanta
By Ron Juckett
JIM JOHNSON
Although it is unlikely there would be an in division trade between the Braves and Nats, is Jim Johnson available?
Another Koda Glover injury—one he did not share until after he was shelled Saturday—makes you wonder if durability is an issue. When healthy, he is tremendous, but this is his second disabled list stint of the year. We are still in June.
Johnson, on the other hand, has saved 12 of 16 for Atlanta. He is due $5 million this year and next and had back-to-back 50 save seasons for the Baltimore Orioles. In the most reason visit from Washington, he saved games on consecutive nights without allowing a base runner. Two innings, six batters retired on 20 pitches.
He averages 9.5 strikeouts-per-9 and has a 0.975 WHIP. Johnson’s 3.38 ERA is not lights out, but outside of Matt Albers, neither is the Nats bullpen.
At 34, Johnson is not a long-term solution anywhere he pitches. Atlanta may feel they need to hold him as they decide what to do at the trade deadline. If available, chances are he would cost a good prospect but not the multiple others will want.
With great control and a strong veteran presence, he adds to Atlanta every time he pitches. Chances are he will get the call at least once this week.