A fresh arm has officially been added to the Major League mix:
The #Cubs today recalled RHP Pierce Johnson from @IowaCubs and optioned INF Jeimer Candelario to Triple-A.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 17, 2017
Right-handed pitcher Pierce Johnson gets the call for the Cubs today, with infielder Jeimer Candelario being sent down to make room on the roster.
Johnson is the latest first-round pick to make his way from Iowa to Chicago. The Cubs selected Johnson as a supplemental first-round pick (43rd overall) in 2012. He is in the midst of a career change, as 2017 marks his first full season as a bullpen arm. At Triple-A Iowa, Johnson owned a 2-0 record, with a 3.21 ERA (4.03 FIP) in 14 innings over 12 games. He’s struck out 21 batters (32.8 K%) this season, but has allowed 11 walks (17.2 BB%), while owning a 1.86 WHIP. He’ll have to cut down on those walk totals if he’s going to make it as a reliever in The Show.
As for Candelario, he returns to Iowa where he was slashing .340/.443/.649 with 19 extra-base hits (four home runs, 12 doubles, three triples) in 97 at-bats in 28 games. He made his season debut in Colorado a week ago and played in six games, collecting three hits in 21 at bats. It was another nice taste of the Majors for Candelario, and I suspect the next time he comes up, it’ll be for good.