Jim Johnson scares the life out of Atlanta Braves fans every time he takes the mound. It's a roller coaster of emotions, usually one that ends with a big letdown, at least if Twitter is any indication. During the first game following the All-Star break, the closer had the opportunity to go back to his customary ways, just as Braves fans feared. What they got instead in the ninth inning of the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks was something different.
Braves collect the win
The Diamondbacks jumped on top with a run in the top of the eighth inning, taking a 3-2 lead.
Freddie Freeman answered in the bottom of the frame, though, singling in a run while allowing a throwing error to give the Braves a 4-3 lead headed into the final inning. That meant it was time for Johnson to get the call.
As fans began biting their nails anxiously, the closer took the mound. Immediately, A.J. Pollock had fans thinking that it was going to be more of the same - that is, until outfielder, Ender Inciarte made a stunning grab. From that moment forward, it was smooth sailing for Johnson, who induced a popup from David Peralta and struck out NL MVP frontrunner Paul Goldschmidt to end the game. The Braves survived, thanks to their closer (and their center fielder).
.@enderinciartem’s a game saver. pic.twitter.com/3h5QKnoxsX
— MLB (@MLB) July 15, 2017
Johnson doesn't blow it
Many Braves fans would be surprised to learn that this was Johnson's 20th save of the season. It has been interspersed with so many questionable moments that it's hard to remember how much good he provides the club. The 4.12 ERA doesn't help matters.
It also doesn't help that he either converts a save or blows one every time he enters a game since those are the only situations manager Brian Snitker seems to play him in.
In his past ten appearances, Johnson has converted seven saves while blowing three (one in which he ultimately picked up the victory). He's certainly one of the more inconsistent closers in baseball right now.
He was an All-Star in 2012 and signed a one-year deal with the Braves last season, only to see them extend him for another two years.
Plenty of Braves fans would be happy to see Johnson dealt before the trade deadline in two and a half weeks. There are teams in need of bullpen help, such as the Washington Nationals. If the team truly wants to deal him away, he has to show his value on a more consistent basis before the end of the month. A 1-2-3 inning against one of the best offenses in baseball will do that for a player.
