Josh Johnson
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This page is for major league pitcher Josh Johnson. For other players with similar names, click here
Joshua Michael Johnson
- Bats Left, Throws Right
- Height 6' 7", Weight 240 lb.
- High School Jenks High School
- Debut September 10, 2005
- Born January 31, 1984 in Minneapolis, MN USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Josh Johnson made his major league debut at the end of 2005 and went 12-7 in 2006.
Johnson was picked by the Florida Marlins in the 4th round of the 2002 amateur draft. He was signed by scout Darrell Brown and made his pro debut that summer. In 2002 in the minors, he went 2-2 split between the rookie league and low Single A. After spending a couple seasons in higher Single A leagues in 2003 and 2004, he impressed in 2005 in Double A with Carolina in the Southern League, going 12-4.
He had no decisions in his first major league season, getting 10 strikeouts but also giving up 10 walks in 12 1/3 innings. In 2006, he posted a 3.10 ERA as one of the ten youngest players in the league. His career was then derailed by injury, limiting him to 4 starts in 2007. However, he came back strong in 2008, going 7-1, 3.61 in 14 starts, and in 2009, joined the elite of National League starters, being named to the All-Star team and posting a record of 15-5 with 191 strikeouts in 209 innings, with a 3.23 ERA.
Johnson continued to secure his place as one of baseball's top pitchers in 2010, being named to the All-Star team again and putting up a record of 11-6 with a league-leading 2.30 ERA in 28 starts and striking out over a batter per inning (186 in 183.2 innings). He was shut down early with the Marlins out of the race in order to limit his innings, then started 2011 roaring out of the gate. He was 3-0 in April with a 0.88 ERA, giving up only 18 hits and striking out 39 over 49 innings. That performance earned him the National League's Pitcher of the Month honors. However, in mid-May, he went on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation and did not pitch again that year.
Johnson returned to action on Opening Day in 2012, when he became the first pitcher in the history of the re-named Miami Marlins, and the first to pitch in Marlins Park on April 4th. He gave up 3 runs on 10 hits in 6 innings and was charged with his team's 4-1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, but it was otherwise a very solid effort after a long lay-off. It took him a while to really get going, however, as by mid-May, his record stood at 0-3, 5.87 in 7 starts. He finally recorded his first win on May 15th, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates, 6-2, at home.
He is one of more than 100 major league players who have had the last name "Johnson", including two Hall of Fame players - Walter Johnson and Judy Johnson.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 2-time NL All-Star (2009 & 2010)
- NL ERA Leader (2010)
- 15 Wins Seasons: 1 (2009)
- 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 1 (2009)
