Erik

Johnson

A second-round pick in 2011, Johnson had a 2.23 ERA and 0.92 WHIP over 14 starts at Double-A Birmingham. The 23-year-old right-hander could be an option for the major league rotation at some point this season.

The White Sox’s top pitching prospect, Johnson has a 2.58 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over his first two seasons in the minors. While he isn’t major league ready yet, the 22-year-old should compete for a rotation spot in 2014.

The 23-year-old rookie right-hander walked three and struck out four on the evening. All of the damage against him came via the long ball, with Mike Moustakas and Billy Butler each swatting one over the wall. Johnson fared pretty well in his five start audition with the White Sox at the end of the season, compiling a 3.25 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 18/11 K/BB ratio over 27 2/3 innings. With his strong minor league track record and strikeout potential, Johnson could develop as a popular sleeper option in next spring’s drafts.

Johnson gave up seven hits and three walks but he didn’t get any help from his defense, either, as two errors and a passed ball meant only two of the six runs were earned. In two starts, the right-hander has now allowed six unearned runs. He’s got more promise than he’s shown thus far, but it’s tough to bet on him at this point. He’ll face the Indians on Sunday.

Johnson lost to the Yankees and Tigers in his first two starts; Minnesota’s lineup, with Trevor Plouffe hitting third and Oswaldo Arcia in the cleanup spot, was obviously much more to his liking. Johnson allowed four hits, walked two and struck out six. Things will get tougher again next time out, as he’s slated for a rematch versus Detroit.

Johnson permitted nine hits and only recorded one strikeout, but he also didn’t walk anyone and was able to limit the damage against a powerful Tigers offense. The youngster struggled in his first two major league starts, but he’s allowed just the two runs over his last 12 2/3 frames. Johnson isn’t a bad streaming option in deep leagues next weekend against the Royals.

Johnson has registered a promising 1.96 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 131/40 K/BB ratio in 142 innings this season between Double-A and Triple-A. The 23-year-old right-hander will presumably pitch in long relief for Chicago.

He was making just his third start for the club since being promoted from Double-A Birmingham. Johnson has been terrific at both stops this season, posting a combined 2.24 ERA and 92/27 K/BB ratio over 100 2/3 innings. It’s not clear how long he’ll be sidelined.

Johnson had a tough assignment in his major league debut and he failed to impress, allowing seven hits and three walks while striking out just one. He’s been much better during stops at Double-A and Triple-A this year, so better results can be expected going forward. Those results may not come right away, though, as he draws the Tigers on Monday.

The White Sox are pushing back Hector Santiago to Saturday and Andre Rienzo to Sunday as they go to a modified six-man rotation during the final month. Charlie Leesman is also expected to get some starts. Johnson is worth a look in AL-only leagues after posting a 1.96 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 131/40 K/BB ratio in 142 innings this season between Double-A and Triple-A.