May 17, 2024
Atlanta Braves relief pitcher
Pierce Johnson (elbow) is expected to be activated off the 15-day Injured List on Saturday. Johnson had been dealing with elbow inflammation and was placed on the 15-day IL on May 4th. The 33-year-old threw a bullpen session on Wednesday that went well and the Braves will be ecstatic to have him back. Johnson had been performing at his dominant norms, showing off a 32.0% K% and a 1.25 WHIP, before dealing with elbow inflammation. The Braves have a stretch of 17 games over 17 games so Atlanta will need the bullpen arms to get through that stretch. Fantasy managers should be ready to have Johnson active in their lineups. If he happens to be available on the waiver wire then fantasy managers should snatch him up immediately.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: David O'Brien
April 8, 2024
Atlanta Braves relief pitcher
Pierce Johnson notched his first save of the season on Sunday in a 5-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Johnson threw a scoreless ninth, allowing just a hit. Usual closer
Raisel Iglesias wasn't available in this one after pitching the previous two days, so Johnson was used to fill in. The 32-year-old appears to be second in line for save chances in Atlanta and should get his fair share of holds as well, making him a good player to have in saves-plus-holds leagues.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
October 26, 2023
Atlanta Braves relief pitcher
Pierce Johnson agreed to stay put for the next two seasons, agreeing to a contract Wednesday. The contract is worth $14.25 million for 2024 and 2025, with a $7 million club option for 2026, that includes a $250,000 buyout. Johnson started 2023 with the Colorado Rockies but was traded to Atlanta and became one of their most important bullpen pieces during their playoff run. A 6.00 ERA in Denver and 4.54 FIP were uninspiring, but the 32-year-old pitched to the tune of a 0.76 ERA for the Braves, striking out 32 of the 89 batters he faced.
--Justin Raffone - RotoBallerSource: Atlanta Braves
July 24, 2023
The Atlanta Braves acquired veteran relief pitcher
Pierce Johnson from the Colorado Rockies on Monday in exchange for right-handed pitching prospects
Victor Vodnik and
Tanner Gordon. Johnson has struck out 58 hitters in 39 relief innings this year in Colorado, but he's also a poor 1-5 record, 6.00 ERA (4.57 FIP), 1.85 WHIP and 25 walks. The 32-year-old can definitely rack up the strikeouts, but that's about all he'll give fantasy managers in deeper leagues. Johnson had his first 13 saves for the Rockies this year as well, but you won't be able to count on anymore saves the rest of the way now that he's in Atlanta.
Raisel Iglesias is firmly entrenched as the Braves' current closer.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
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