The Philadelphia Phillies are set to promote pitcher Seth Johnson, whom the team acquired in a trade at the deadline, according to Kiley McDaniel of ESPN. Johnson is scheduled to start against the Miami Marlins on September 8, as reported by McDaniel. The Phillies traded Gregory Soto for Johnson, while also receiving Moisés Chace from the Baltimore Orioles in the same trade. Johnson was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2019. The Rays then traded Johnson to the Orioles in a three-team deal that involved the Orioles trading Trey Mancini to the Houston Astros. Johnson will be making his major league debut at the age of 25 when he starts against the Marlins.
The Phillies are planning to call up RHP Seth Johnson to start on Sunday in Miami, per source.
His path has been unusual: the 40th pick in the 2019 draft, but he was a junior college shortstop in 2018.
Johnson was acquired from Baltimore for Gregory Soto at the trade deadline.
— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) September 5, 2024
Tyler Phillips was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after pitching against the Toronto Blue Jays on September 3, where he allowed six runs on eight hits. As a corresponding move, Nick Nelson was added to the 40-man roster and called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. To clear a spot for Nelson on the 40-man roster, Michael Rucker was designated for assignment. It is expected that Nelson will be optioned following the game on September 7 when Johnson is officially called up. Nelson’s call-up was a temporary move to give Phillies manager Rob Thomson another bullpen option until a fifth starter was needed.
Phillies Promoting Seth Johnson
2024 Minor League Performance
Before the trade, Johnson had a 0-6 record with a 2.63 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 18 starts for Double-A Bowie this season. He also had a 0-1 record with a 3.52 ERA and nine strikeouts in two starts with Double-A Reading. In three starts this season for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Johnson has a 2-0 record with a 0.56 ERA and 13 strikeouts. Johnson had a 1.74 strikeout-to-walk rate with Double-A Bowie. However, his strikeout-to-walk rate improved to 9.00 with Double-A Reading. Johnson has recorded a 2.17 strikeout-to-walk rate with Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Johnson was named the International League Pitcher of the Week for the week ending on September 2. Since his promotion to Triple-A, Johnson has achieved a 100 percent left-on-base percentage. Additionally, he has a 0.69 WHIP and a 0.94 batting average against him in Triple-A this season. Opposing batters in Triple-A have a .103 BABIP against Johnson this season, while he holds a 4.05 FIP. The only run Johnson has allowed in Triple-A this season came on a home run. Notably, Johnson has issued more walks than hits allowed in Triple-A.
Role in the Majors
Johnson’s role starting on September 8 is unclear. Allard can be recalled from Triple-A on September 10. Johnson may just be spot-starting. His start became necessary due to Allard not being eligible, Phillips’ poor performance, and Walker moving to the bullpen. It makes sense that Johnson earned the nod to start on September 8. Tyler is the only other eligible starting pitcher option for that game. Johnson is reportedly on an innings restriction due to Tommy John surgery. His debut start may not last more than four innings.
Johnson has one minor league option year left after this season. With that in mind, it would be wise for the Phillies to allow Johnson to make multiple starts. This will enable the team to further evaluate his performance and allow him to demonstrate why he should be considered for next year’s plans. Since he has already used his option year, being called up to make a spot start will not have a negative impact. Furthermore, Johnson’s current place on the 40-man roster likely influenced this decision.
Although Allard is eligible to return soon, Johnson needs to be given multiple opportunities to start. Allard is in his last minor league option year, making it unlikely that he will be part of the Phillies’ plans beyond this season.
Main Photo: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
