The Rockies scooping up Troy Johnston has turned into one of the best sleeper moves of the offseason.
Not only has Johnston been one of the National League’s most productive hitters, but he’s also injected fun and energy into the clubhouse. And he’s become a fan favorite.
“People (who) watch television can point directly to Troy, he’s got a big personality,” manager Warren Schaeffer said. “We love Troy here. We absolutely love him. He brings a lot to the table in terms of his skills — on and off the field — and does bring a (special) vibe.”
What the outfielder/first baseman is doing at the plate, especially in the clutch, is exceptional. Entering Friday night’s game against the Brewers at Coors Field, Johnston was hitting .431 (22 for 51, including seven doubles) with runners in scoring position, the second-highest average in the majors behind the Athletics’ Nick Kurtz (.475, 19 for 40).
Overall, Johnston was hitting .320 with 27 RBIs.
Colorado claimed Johnston, 28, off waivers from the Marlins in November. He was by no means a lock to make the big-league team out of spring training, especially since he still has a minor league option and could have been assigned to Triple-A Albuquerque.
“Itap all still just baseball,” Johnston said during spring training. “But you have to have a good, sound approach and still be athletic. And you have to have fun. So I’m doing what I can to make the team, make the adjustments I need to make, and go out and have fun.”
He’s having a ball right now. Johnston entered Friday’s game with multiple hits in a career-best four straight games. But it’s his ability to deliver baserunners to the plate that stands out most.
“With runners in scoring position, nothing should change,” Schaeffer said. “It’s all mentality. It’s all about how even-keeled you can stay. How slow is your heartbeat?
“I mean, you look at guys like (former Rockies third baseman) Nolan Arenado, or other guys who drive in a lot of runs, they stay the same guy. They don’t freak out because of the situation. They keep the same mentality — which is confidence. And Troy has a ton of it.”
Johnston, who was drafted by Miami in the 17th round of the 2019 draft out of Gonzaga, played six seasons in the minors and didn’t make his major league debut until July 29 of last season. He played in 44 games for the Marlins, slashing .277/.331/.420 with four home runs, two doubles, one triple, and 13 RBIs. With runners in scoring position, he hit .267 (8 for 30).
Johnston prides himself on his ability to handle the bat and put balls in play. He’s learned to exhale at the plate and focus on the task at hand.
“You know, I’ve been playing pro baseball for quite a while,” he said. “I don’t have that many games in the big leagues, but what I have found is that when you just try to put the ball in play, don’t press too much, and just try to make things happen, well, sometimes good things do happen.
“And sometimes it’s out of your hands. That’s all part of baseball. I try to remember that.”
Gordon to IL: Colorado’s starting rotation has taken another hit. Right-hander Tanner Gordon was placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to June 2, with a right hip impingement.
The club recalled right-hander Zach Agnos from Triple-A Albuquerque. There is a chance that Agnos could start in Gordon’s place on Saturday against the Brewers.
Rumfield loses homer. First baseman TJ Rumfield’s home run total dropped from eight to seven on Friday when Major League Baseball made a scoring change.
In the fourth inning of the Rockies’ 8-2 win over the Angels on Tuesday night, TJ Rumfield hit a line drive to right center. Angels right fielder Jo Adell caught up to the ball, but it glanced off his glove, ricocheted off his forehead, and went over the yellow line for a home run. However, MLB ruled that Adell committed a four-base error and took the homer away from Rumfield.
Climbing the Charts
Outfielder/first baseman Troy Johnston is making his mark in his first season with the Rockies:
• .320 batting average: Ranks fifth in the majors (fourth in National League)
• .347 batting average at Coors Field: Sixth-highest home average in the majors.
• .431 batting average with RISP: Second-highest average in the majors.
• 17 doubles: Tied for fifth in the majors (fourth in NL)
Note: Through games of June 4
Source: Colorado Rockies
