Detroit Tigers has been struggling to find a bullpen option which they can rely on a pressure game, while Jim Johnson has been looking for the right opportunity to revive his career.
When the two crossed path, they both knew that they needed to give a chance to each other. Tigers and Johnson met each other over the weekend when the latter had his contract purchased from Triple-A Toledo.
Johnson will initially be used in a sixth- and seventh-inning role.
According to Tigers manager Brad Ausmus "His velocity was really good the whole time, even when he was in Oakland and he scuffled. It was more about location. It wasn't so much about his stuff, so a lot of times a change of scenery helps."
But his Tigers debut wasn't as what they expected. Johnson had to give up a double to the first batter he faced, Seattle shortstop Chris Taylor, and went on to allow three runs, though two were unearned.
Ausmus said of this "I know he gave up a run there but he didn't get much help on that pop fly. Overall, I thought it was a good first outing."
Johnson also knew about his not so impressive outing, he said "The last outing I threw down there I felt very similar to how I felt in Baltimore last year and the year before. The first couple of outings, I had a little rust but each time out things got better and better. I feel I'm exactly where I need to be to help the ballclub here."
Johnson felt that he never got the chance to work and resolve the issue between him and the Baltimores. He said "Pitching is such a timing and rhythm thing. It's just getting that constant work and just being able to get that little rhythm back. So, I feel good where I'm at. I'm excited to help them out. With the way things went in the first part of the season for me, this is going to be a lot more fun."
The Tigers have been acquiring quite a handful of veterans to their team. They had former Pittsburgh and Boston closer Joel Hanrahan and now they have Jim Johnson with them.
According to Ausmus "He's obviously pitched in high-pressure situations before. In theory, we have four guys, including Joba (Chamberlain), that have pitched at the back end of the bullpen."
