The Boston Red Sox replaced one former University of Florida standout with another on its roster Thursday.
The Red Sox announced they’ve placed left-hander Brian Johnson on the 10-day disabled list due to a left shoulder impingement and selected the contract of right-hander Austin Maddox from Triple-A Pawtucket.
Johnson left Wednesday’s game against Philadelphia in the third inning with what the Red Sox indicated was left shoulder discomfort. Johnson said he started to feel tightness in warmups and came out as a precaution. After two strong innings, Johnson lost a lot of velocity on his pitches, leading to the Phillies only offensive outburst of the game.
Johnson, 26, tossed a complete game shutout back May 27, but has allowed six runs over seven innings in his two starts since that time. Wednesday’s outing lasted just 2.2 innings before he was lifted from the game.
“Not concerned at all,” Johnson told the Boston Herald. “I’ve been through worse for sure but I think it’ll be quick for me hopefully. I’ll come in tomorrow and see how it feels.”
Johnson has faced setbacks during his MLB career: He’s been hit in the head by comebackers, dealt with anxiety issues and a minor hamstring injury this season.
Maddox, 26, will make his Major League debut the first time he steps on the mound for Boston. The 2012 third-rounder out of UF has a 1.33 ERA with 20 strikeouts against 11 walks through 27 innings between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket this season. He won’t be an option to make a start for the Sox, as all but 13 of his 124 professional appearances have come in relief, and he’s made just two starts in the past four years.
