Erik Johnson’s career 4.17 ERA and 1.55 WHIP won’t turn any heads, and rightfully so. The 26-year-old former second-round pick’s MLB career has not turned out the way the White Sox hoped to this point, but this will be the year Johnson puts it together.

Johnson showed promise as a September call-up in 2013; it was the right-hander’s first cup of coffee in the majors. His first start was at Yankee Stadium and he turned in a decent performance, giving up three earned runs in six innings of work. He finished that season pitching 27.2 innings while posting a 3.25 ERA and 1.55 WHIP. Johnson started 2014 in the Chicago rotation, but a 6.46 ERA and 1.77 WHIP through five starts led to his demotion to the minors, and he didn’t get another opportunity that year. Johnson's next shot came in another September call-up last season. Johnson allowed three or fewer runs in each of his starts, and pitched into the sixth inning in all but one of them. Overall, he had a 3.34 ERA and 1.40 WHIP.

Johnson’s issue has been control, or lack thereof. He’s walked 43 batters in 86.1 career Major League innings. His “stuff” has always been good. He doesn’t jump off the screen or blow hitters away with a massive heater; but his 92 MPH fastball and good slider/changeup combination (with the occasional curve) give him 3.5 above-average pitches.

In addition to Johnson’s successful September last year, he really seemed to put it all together for a full season in Triple-A in 2015. He pitched 132.2 innings there and dominated to the tune of a 2.37 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, with 136 strikeouts, compared to 41 walks. Johnson has a career 3.28 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 7.89 K/9 in the minors. That is the type of pitcher I firmly believe he can become in the majors.

Johnson got the call Thursday night against Boston, lasting five innings and allowing four runs, while striking out six. He was quickly optioned back to Triple-A Charlotte after the game, but will likely receive another call-up in the near future. Next time around, I’m banking on things to be different for him; I fully expect him to make the most of this chance. He’s ready to make a big contribution to a team that expects to make a run at a playoff berth, and ultimately your fantasy team as well.

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