Ben

Johnson

With Eric Young getting released, it looks like Johnson will take over as the Padres’ left fielder against left-handed pitchers. He’s probably not going to have fantasy value unless someone ahead of him gets hurt, but there are worse players to have stashed away in NL-only leagues.

Manager Bruce Bochy has already said that Eric Young would start Wednesday, but it was good to see Johnson play and play well tonight. He should have some fantasy value while Dave Roberts is out.

Johnson had just 35 at-bats earlier this season with the Padres. He’s been slumping of late at Triple-A Portland, so he’s not a sure bet to produce fantasy value if he starts in Roberts’ place. Still, he’d be a worthy gamble in NL-only leagues.

Johnson had struggled over the last three weeks, leaving him at .244/.340/.471 in 119 at-bats for Portland. Still, the Padres need to play him over Eric Young against right-handed pitchers, even if both are right-handed hitters. He should have at least a little value in NL-only leagues.

Johnson is batting .368/.469/.684 in 11 games since being demoted. He already has more at-bats (38) in Triple-A than he did in six weeks with San Diego (35). The Padres will need to give him a more significant role next time they call on him.

The move opens up a spot for Russell Branyan. Johnson has hit .252/.330/.427 in 103 at-bats this season. He’ll rejoin San Diego’s bench next month.

Johnson’s second homer was a game-tying blast off Armando Benitez in the bottom of the ninth. Johnson got the start in left field tonight to give Dave Roberts the day off against a lefty. He had been 2-for-11 since coming off the DL on Aug. 1. Unless this leads to additional at-bats, he won’t be worth using in NL-only leagues.

Johnson is probably going to be sent down prior to Wednesday’s game.

Johnson was either going to be placed on the DL or get optioned to Triple-A to make room for Dave Roberts. He could have a substantial role on the club during the final two months, but with the way the roster is set up now, there was no room for him.

Johnson wasn’t able to swing a bat on Sunday, though he did get into the game as a pinch-runner. He could be headed to the disabled list when the Padres activate Dave Roberts on Tuesday.