June 22, 2019
Photo credit: Wesley Cheng/Centennial College
Right-handed pitcher Cobi Johnson is enjoying his increased workload with the Lansing Lugnuts in 2019.
Johnson, who worked as a closer for Vancouver in 2018 has definitely noticed some differences between starting and relieving.
“It’s good because you know when you’re going to throw,” stated Johnson about working in the rotation. “Everything you do is helping you buildup for your next start. In the bullpen you’re sitting down paying attention to the game and the phone rings, and you’re in the game. They’re different in that aspect.”
And Johnson has found success this season, as he was named to the Midwest League East All-Star Team, where he had a chance to get in the game and pitch 2/3 an inning, picking up a strikeout.
His all-star nod came about after the prospect pitched 57 1/3 innings for the Lugnuts’; where he has 53 K’s on the season, and has maintained a WHIP of 1.40 for the Blue Jays’ low-A affiliate.
Johnson’s success on the mound comes from the feel he has for his three pitches. Currently using a mix of a fastball, a curveball, and a changeup in his repertoire; helps Johnson a lot, because his pitches work well off one another.
“Everything works off the fastball,” explained Johnson. “I think all of my pitches work well off the fastball.”
And that ability improved while Johnson was in college. Viewed as a curveball guy coming out of high school, Johnson made sure to sharpen his changeup at Florida State.
“I was always a curveball guy, so when I got to college I really developed the changeup,” said Johnson. “When I got here they noticed I had a good changeup, and that really helps, especially when you’re starting. It’s important to have three pitches when you’re a starter, and the changeup is a good pitch to have in your repertoire.”
His great command will continue to help the prospect moving forward, so be sure to keep an eye out for Cobi Johnson.