Brian Johnson

The Boston Red Sox released pitcher Brian Johnson at his request on Monday, according to multiple reports.

Fantasy Impact

Johnson was reportedly frustrated about not being promoted to the team's active roster in 2020 and asked the team for his release so that he could seek opportunities elsewhere. Johnson was a first-round pick back in 2012 and first appeared in the big leagues in 2015, but he has had minimal success at the major league level over the last several years.

Brian Johnson tossed three innings in an intrasquad game Sunday, throwing 38 pitches (24 strikes), Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Fantasy Impact

With Eduardo Rodriguez unlikely for the start of the season due to testing positive for COVID-19, the Red Sox have only three starters set for the rotation in Nathan Eovaldi, Martín Pérez, and Ryan Weber. That leaves an opening for Johnson to move into the fourth or fifth spot. If the veteran lefty doesn't earn a starting job then look for him to work out of the bullpen.

Brian Johnson was added to the Red Sox's 60-man player pool according to the team's website.

Fantasy Impact

Johnson was not very impressive in 2019 finishing with 6.02 ERA and 1.88 WHIP over 40.1 innings for the Red Sox. With the team lacking pitching depth look for the veteran lefty to see the mound this year but will not put up stats that are would make Johnson fantasy relevant.

Brian Johnson gave up two runs and struck out four in 2 1/3 innings of relief Thursday against the Astros.

Fantasy Impact

Johnson has an outside shot of earning a spot in the Red Sox rotation to start the season. The 29-year-old lefty was 1-3 with a 6.02 ERA and 1.88 WHIP over 21 games last season and is not fantasy-relevant if he does find a spot on the team.

Brian Johnson (1-3) took the loss against San Diego on Sunday, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out one over three innings.

Fantasy Impact

With the Red Sox starting rotation dealing with multiple injuries, Johnson was needed once again to make a spot start. The lefty may be needed for another one and it looks like he may go on Sunday when the team faces the Angels. Fantasy owners should leave Johnson on the wire.