Johnson drafted by Reds

Left-hand pitcher T.J. Johnson was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 36th round of the Major League Baseball draft Tuesday.

He will be playing for the Billings Mustangs in Billings, Mont. in
the Pioneer league. The Mustangs are the Reds short season A club.

“This is really exciting for me right now,” Johnson said. “When I
heard my name called it took me a second to realize what happened.”

Johnson leaves Saturday for Montana and the team’s first game is June 18th.

Scouts showed up a few times to Theunissen Stadium to watch Johnson
pitch and Johnson said he was aware he might have a shot at getting
drafted.

“A few teams were interested and I talked with some scouts so I knew
I had a chance,” he said. “I am a little shocked, but not too shocked.”

This comes as no surprise to coach Steve Jaksa, who sees this as a great opportunity for Johnson.

“He has really progressed as a player and by having a great season
he put himself in position to get drafted,” Jaksa said. “Hopefully we
keep putting guys to the professional ranks on a regular basis.”

Johnson had elbow surgery before the start of this past season. He
finished his final season — in which he pitched five complete games
—with a 6-5 record and a 3.53 ERA.

Johnson joins six former CMU players to play Major League Baseball.