Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Ryan Johnson picked up the first save of his early career in Monday's 5-4 extra-innings win over the Cardinals. The 22-year-old came in to pitch the bottom of the 10th inning up by two with an automatic runner on second. He got the first out on a fly-out, allowed a single, got the second out on a sacrifice fly, and ended the game with a strikeout. Johnson is an interesting prospect in that he made his big-league debut this season without ever pitching in the minors. While his pitch arsenal could lend itself to a late-inning role, he saw this opportunity because both closer Kenley Jansen and Ben Joyce had pitched in each of the previous two games. Johnson will need to first prove that he can hold his own in the big leagues before attempting to work his way into the end-of-game pecking order, so his fantasy value remains limited at this time.
Right-handed pitching prospect Ryan Johnson has made the Los Angeles Angels' Opening Day roster despite having not pitched at all in the minor leagues after being taken in the second round last year, sources tell ESPN's Jeff Passan. Johnson becomes the second pitcher to make his MLB debut without pitching at all in the minors since left-hander Garrett Crochet. The Halos have been known to be aggressive in promoting their young prospects, but this is taking it to another level. The 22-year-old right-hander gave up five runs while striking out 10 and walking only one in 11 1/3 Cactus League innings this spring. The hard-throwing youngster has the strikeout upside to eventually settle into a late-inning role in the team's bullpen, but growing pains should be expected given his extreme lack of experience.
Ryan Johnson
• RP
•
Angels
