Johnson struck out a batter over a perfect inning to pick up the save against the Rangers on Wednesday.
Recent closer Ty Buttrey (knee) was shut down for the season, so Johnson was called upon to close out a tight contest after Hansel Robles picked up Tuesday's save. Fellow relievers Blake Parker and Justin Anderson have also experienced success in the ninth inning this season, so a committee situation appears likely as the Halos play out the string.
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Angels' Jim Johnson: Will start bullpen game Tuesday
Rotowire
Johnson is listed as Tuesday's starter against the Rangers, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times.
The Angels are dealing with several injured starters, so Johnson will start a bullpen game Tuesday. The veteran reliever hasn't pitched more than two innings this season, and that will likely be his limit before handing the ball off to his fellow bullpen mates.
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Angels' Jim Johnson: Returns from DL
Rotowire
The Angels activated Johnson (back) from the 10-day disabled list Sunday.
Johnson rejoins the Angels for the first time since mid-June after a back strain kept him on the shelf longer than initially anticipated. The veteran right-hander checked out fine after making three rehab appearances over the past week and a half and should step back into a high-leverage setup role for the Angels. Prior to hitting the DL, Johnson submitted a 3.93 ERA and 31:13 K:BB across 34.1 innings.
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Angels' Jim Johnson: Moves rehab to Triple-A
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Johnson (back) shifted his rehab assignment to Triple-A Salt Lake and gave up one hit in a scoreless inning for the affiliate in its 11-5 win over Las Vegas on Wednesday.
Johnson went more than a week between rehab outings, with his previous appearance coming June 8 for High-A Inland Empire. It's unclear if a setback was the reason behind the delay between outings, but Johnson nonetheless seems to be easing back from the injury. He should rejoin the Angels' bullpen shortly after the All-Star break.
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Angels' Jim Johnson: Beginning rehab assignment Sunday
Rotowire
Johnson (back) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Inland Empire on Sunday.
Johnson hasn't pitched since June 11 after suffering a lumbar strain. He had thrown 34.1 innings with a 3.93 ERA prior to suffering the injury. The 35-year-old will likely fill a setup role when he returns to Los Angeles.
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Angels' Jim Johnson: Nearing rehab assignment
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Johnson (back) is nearing a rehab assignment, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.
The veteran reliever has been on the shelf with a lumbar strain since mid-June, but it appears he's close to getting back in the fold. The Angels haven't announced what steps Johnson needs to take before starting a rehab assignment; however, he will likely be pitching in minor-league games sooner rather than later. Once healthy, Johnson will likely reprise his role as a high-leverage setup man out of the Angels bullpen.
Johnson (back) played catch on the field prior to the Angels' series opener Monday against the Diamondbacks, the Associated Press reports.
The fact that Johnson was throwing three days after being placed on the disabled list hints that a brief absence will likely be in store for the veteran right-hander. Once deemed healthy enough to come off the DL, Johnson will likely fill a setup role in front of closer Blake Parker.
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Angels' Jim Johnson: Lands on disabled list
Rotowire
Johnson was placed on the 10-day disabled list Friday due to a back injury.
The Angels officially deemed the injury a "lumbar strain", though they didn't mention any specifics regarding his current condition. Johnson's latest appearance came in Seattle on Monday, so he will be eligible to return from the DL next weekend if this is just a minor issue.
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Angels' Jim Johnson: Implodes in loss Thursday
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Johnson was tagged for four runs (three earned) on four hits while recording just one out in Thursday's 7-1 loss to Tampa Bay.
This wasn't a save situation, but the rough outing certainly doesn't help Johnson's chances at seeing saves following the announcement that closer Keynan Middleton (elbow) needed Tommy John surgery. The veteran's closing experience could keep him in the mix for saves going forward, but the surging Blake Parker, Cam Bedrosian and rookie Justin Anderson (who has recorded the only save since Middleton's major setback) are all options to close as well.
Johnson recorded three outs without allowing a run Sunday, although he did allow two hits and two walks against the Twins. He struck out one.
Keynan Middleton left with an elbow injury after recording the first two outs of the eighth inning. Johnson came in to get the final out and the first two outs of the ninth inning, but then Mike Scioscia turned to Blake Parker for the final out. It is unclear who will get the next save opportunity for the Angels, but it probably won't be Middleton, who is headed for an MRI. That leaves Parker and Johnson, so both are worth speculating on in deeper formats.
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Angels' Jim Johnson: Gets first save of season
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Johnson got the save against the Twins on Thursday, striking out two and walking one to lock down a 7-4 victory for the Angels.
It was the first save of the year for the veteran right-hander, who was able to right the ship after blowing one in his first save opportunity of the season against the Mariners on Saturday. With Keynan Middleton (elbow) just coming off the disabled list, the Angels perhaps needed someone to fill the void while Middleton gets back up to speed. Johnson could continue to see chances in the near term despite the rough showing in his first crack at the role.
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Angels' Jim Johnson: Fails to hold lead twice
Rotowire
Johnson (0-1) was charged with his first blown save and first loss of the season after giving up three runs (two earned) on three hits and a walk while striking out one over 1.1 innings Saturday against the Mariners.
It was a rough night for the veteran after he failed to hold one-run leads in the 10th and 11th innings. His defense didn't do him any favors. Jefry Marte's throwing error in the 10th allowed the tying run to score, extending the game. While the first blown save wasn't entirely his fault, there were no excuses for the two runs he allowed the Mariners to score to walk things off in the 11th. The Orange County Register's Jeff Fletcher believes that Johnson had taken over the interim closer role for the Halos with Keynan Middleton hurt, but it's unclear if he will get another shot after Saturday's rough outing.
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Angels' Jim Johnson: Picks up third hold
Rotowire
Johnson retired just one batter en route to his third hold of the season in Tuesday's 3-2 victory over the Orioles.
With Keynan Middleton (elbow) being placed on the disabled list, manager Mike Scioscia turned to Cam Bedrosian to protect a two-run lead in the ninth, which he failed to do. The failed save attempt could lead to Johnson -- who has experience as a closer -- potentially seeing opportunities going forward. The 34-year-old owns a 3.38 ERA through 16 innings, making him worth a speculative add for those hurting for saves.
