Pierce Johnson
The Braves bullpen had been one of the best in the first half of the season. However, it's never a bad idea to add depth to your relief core. Atlanta's pitching hasn't been as good to start the second half but Pierce Johnson has been a bright spot.
Johnson was acquired at the deadline for Victor Vodnik and Tanner Gordon. He allowed a hit in his first appearance for the Braves but he's now completed 10 appearances for the Braves and has been absolutely impressive.
That's ten appearances without allowing an earned run from Pierce Johnson, who retired the Yankees in order in the seventh. He's allowed just seven hits with 13 strikeouts in 10.1 IP in a #Braves uniform.
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) August 17, 2023
He has allowed no runs and seven hits with 3 walks and 13 strikeouts through 10.1 innings of work so far. That's exactly what the Braves were hoping they would get from Johnson. He really had a rough ERA of 6.00 when he was brought over but pitching at Coors Field can have that effect on anyone.
His breaking ball is a thing of beauty and has really helped him keep the ball on the ground or get swings and misses. He has given a lot of credit to Sean Murphy and Travis d'Arnaud for calling great games and making great game plans. He also credited that great Braves defense for helping him a lot.
Besides his performance on the field, Pierce seems to be a genuine human being. Every interview he gives is super respectful and you can see how happy he is to be in Atlanta.
Pierce Johnson » BIG dad joke guy 😂
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) August 17, 2023
Safe to say the right-hander is fitting right in. pic.twitter.com/TjGx7EOEjE
Sharing Dad jokes, throwing nasty breaking balls, that's just what Pierce Johnson does.