Patrick Johnson

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2011
R+:  0-4-0, 5.35 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, 33.2 IP, 4.5 BB/9, 7.5 K/9

For a pitcher from a major college program, Johnson didn’t have a good debut in advanced rookie ball.  He made six starts and four relief appearances.  He struggled with his control and also got hit fairly hard.

2012
R+:  1-2-0, 4.46 ERA, 1.64 WHIP, 40.1 IP, 4.5 BB/9, 11.8 K/9

The Rockies sent Johnson back to the Pioneer League, where he pitched mainly in relief.  He struck out a lot of hitters, but otherwise wasn’t much more effective.

2013
A:  3-3-0, 2.83 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 28.2 IP, 5.3 BB/9, 11.6 K/9
A+:  1-1-0, 4.41 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 16.1 IP, 3.9 BB/9, 12.7 K/9

Johnson split his season between low A and high A, pitching strictly in relief.  He was hard to hit, with very high K rates and an opponents’ average of just .210.  He continued to have control problems, although that issue improved after he was promoted.

2014
IND:  9-7-0, 4.59 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 111.2 IP, 5.2 BB/9, 8.5 K/9

The Rockies released Johnson at the end of spring training and he caught on with the Sioux City Explorers of the American Association.  He continued to be plagued by control issues, pitching mainly as a starter.

2015
IND:  15-1-0, 2.08 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 134.0 IP, 2.7 BB/9, 8.9 K/9

Johnson returned to Sioux City and had a big season as he finally seemed to master the strike zone.  He allowed only 94 hits in 134 innings.  As a result, BA rated him the fifth best prospect in independent ball.  The Pirates purchased his contract after the season.

It’s not clear whether the Pirates consider Johnson a prospect or minor league depth.  They do have a need for starters at Altoona, which seems his most likely destination.