Joshua Michael Johnson (born January 31, 1984 in Minneapolis, Minnesota) is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Florida Marlins. The 6'7", 240 pound Johnson throws right-handed, and bats left-handed.
Early career
Johnson graduated from Jenks High School in Jenks, Oklahoma in 2002. He helped lead the Trojans to two State Championships during his high school career. Josh was drafted by the Marlins in the fourth round of the 2002 amateur draft. The righty made his professional baseball debut soon after with the Gulf Coast Marlins, earning a 0.60 ERA over 15 innings.
As a starter with Single-A Greensboro during the 2003 season, Johnson continued to limit his opponents' offensive numbers, collecting a paltry .223 opponent batting average. And in 2004, he saw more success with Single-A Jupiter. Despite a 5-12 record, Johnson's ERA remained a solid 3.38.
His performance at the Single-A level earned Johnson a promotion to Double-A Carolina in 2005. He was named the Marlins' Minor League Pitcher of the Year after a 12-4 record, a 3.87 ERA and a Southern League All-Star nod for Carolina.
Florida Marlins
Johnson made his major league debut September 10, 2005, for the Marlins with a scoreless inning of relief against the Philadelphia Phillies.
During the 2006 season, Johnson broke onto the major league scene by going (11-5) as a starter, while tallying a 3.03 ERA in that role. After spending all of April in the Florida bullpen, Johnson emerged as a major contributor in the Marlins' young, but surprisingly successful, starting staff. He fell five innings short of capturing the National League ERA title, a category he paced for much of the season. Johnson also placed fourth in voting for the National League Rookie of the Year, an award that went to his fellow Florida teammate, shortstop Hanley Ramirez.
Johnson and fellow Marlin pitchers Scott Olsen, Anibal Sanchez and Ricky Nolasco became the first quartet of rookie pitchers in major league history to each record 10 wins.
Elbow Injury
After having dealt with ellbow problems throughout the 2007 season, Johnson had Tommy John ligament-replacement surgery on August 3, 2007. He has recovered surprisingly fast and made his return to the Major Leagues on July 10, 2008, only eleven months after having undergone surgery.
Scouting Report
Johnson has a solid pitching combination of a slider, change-up, and mid-90s fastball. He is noted for his sound composure and makes a presence on the mound due to his large frame.
External links
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