Troy

Johnston

With his Rockies up one, Johnston delivered a clutch, two-run knock to stretch their lead out. The Mets wound up responding with a rally of their own, but fell one run short. Just as he and his teammates have done all season, Johnston attacked a first-pitch fastball from Sean Manaea to get his big hit. On the season, he has a .317 batting average and .834 OPS as a pleasant surprise in the middle of the Rockies’ order.

Johnson also singled. His second of the double of the contest was a big one; a two-run two-bagger that gave the Rockies a 4-3 win to help Colorado to an upset win. Johnston has looked the part in his first chance as a regular, and is now slashing .305/.359/.492. At the very least, he’s played well enough to be monitored; especially when you consider his home park.

Johnston was hit by a Spencer Arrighetti pitch in the first inning Wednesday, though he remained in initially. If he can’t play Thursday, then it’s more likely Jake McCarthy will be in the lineup.

Freeman has been on the bench since being scratched from Sunday’s game with lower back tightness. The 26-year-old outfielder is presumably available, if needed, but the Rockies are trying to give him some extra time to put the issue to bed. It’ll be another turn in right field for Troy Johnston in this one.

Johnson also drove in a run with a double to give Colorado a 4-3 lead. His homer came in the sixth off a completely-ineffective Ryan Weiss to extend that cushion to 9-4. Johnston has swung the bat well to begin the season, and the 28-year-old has a chance to earn regular playing time for the (obviously) rebuilding Rockies.

No surprise here after Freeman was scratched from Sunday’s series finale against the Phillies with lower back tightness. The 26-year-old will get some extra time off to rest the issue with Troy Johnston patrolling right field.

Beck will get a night off with Troy Johnston getting the start in right field and hitting sixth. So far, Beck has hit just .182 with a .580 OPS over his 13 plate apperances.

Doyle will take a seat for the first time this season. Troy Johnston will enter the starting lineup in right field, and Jake McCarthy will switch over to center field. Doyle is hitless in his first 12 plate appearances this season, so perhaps a day off will help him clear his head.

Freeman was set to be a backup outfielder, which means that Troy Johnston will make the team as a backup at both outfield and first base.

Johnston is a name to know for fantasy managers in extremely deep mixed leagues and NL-only formats since he projects to open the year as Colorado’s starting first baseman with Blaine Crim potentially hitting the injured list with an oblique injury. The 28-year-old was claimed off waivers from the Marlins last November after finally getting his opportunity at the highest level last year. He’s one of the few cold corner options with some decent stolen base potential and should benefit from hitting at Coors Field’s high-octane environment.