| Kris Johnson | |
|---|---|
 Johnson with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1984-10-14)October 14, 1984 (age 41) West Covina, California, U.S. | |
Batted: Left Threw: Left | |
| Professional debut | |
| MLB: August 18, 2013, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |
| NPB: March 28, 2015, for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp | |
| Last appearance | |
| MLB: July 21, 2014, for the Minnesota Twins | |
| NPB: September 3, 2020, for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 0–3 |
| Earned run average | 5.32 |
| Strikeouts | 21 |
| NPB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 57–37 |
| Earned run average | 2.76 |
| Strikeouts | 624 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
Kristofer Michael Johnson (born October 14, 1984) is an American former professionalbaseballpitcher. He played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for thePittsburgh Pirates andMinnesota Twins and for theHiroshima Toyo Carp ofNippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
Johnson attended Blue Springs High School inMissouri throwing 5no-hitters.[1] He was drafted by theAnaheim Angels in the 50th round of the2003 Major League Baseball Draft, but chose to attendWichita State University. As a freshman at Wichita State, his 2.01 ERA lead theMissouri Valley Conference.[1]
TheBoston Red Sox drafted Johnson 40th overall in the first round of the2006 Major League Baseball draft and gave him an $850,000signing bonus.[2]
In 2006, Johnson pitched for theLowell Spinners. In November 2006,Baseball America named Johnson the #9 prospect in Boston's organization.[3]
In 2007, he pitched for theLancaster JetHawks.
In 2008Baseball America ranked him as Boston's fourth best pitching prospect.[4] He spent the 2008 season at the Red Sox's AA affiliate, thePortland Sea Dogs. He threw a 3.63 ERA for the year.[2]
Coming into 2009, he was ranked within the top 20 prospects within the Red Sox system.[2] He split the 2009 season between the Red Sox AAA affiliate, thePawtucket Red Sox and thePortland Sea Dogs. He amassed a 3-16 record with a 6.35 ERA, and led the minors with most losses.[2]
He spent the 2010 season with Pawtucket.
He returned to Pawtucket to start the 2011 season, however, on May 14, 2011, Johnson gave up 7 runs in 2 innings, leaving him with a 12.63 ERA for Pawtucket. He was released on May 17, 2011.[5] Johnson signed with theKansas City T-Bones on June 11, 2011.[6] His 3.23 ERA for the T-Bones was 4th in theAmerican Association.[1]
Johnson signed with thePittsburgh Pirates in December 2011.[7] Johnson split the 2012 season with theAltoona Curve and theIndianapolis Indians. Johnson re-signed with the Pirates in September 2012.[8]
On August 18, 2013, Johnson was added to the Pirates 25-man roster. He made his major league debut that day against theArizona Diamondbacks, entering the game to start the top of 11th inning. He pitched 6 innings, but allowed two runs in the 16th and took the loss.[9] Johnson was the first Pirate sinceSteve Blass in 1964 to throw at least 5 innings of relief in his first appearance.[10] He was optioned back to Indianapolis on August 19.[11]
Johnson spent most of the 2013 season at Indianapolis, making 26 appearances, a 10-4 record, and a 2.39 ERA in135+2⁄3 innings pitched.[12] On September 1, Johnson made his first start for the Pirates against the Cardinals. He pitched two innings, giving up five runs on seven hits.[13]
On November 19, 2013, Johnson was traded to theMinnesota Twins in exchange for RHPDuke Welker.[14][15]
On October 22, 2014, Johnson's contract was sold to theHiroshima Toyo Carp ofNippon Professional Baseball (NPB).[16]
On March 28, 2015, Johnson made his NPB debut. With Hiroshima in 2015, Johnson started 28 games and put together a 14-7 record with a 1.85 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. His ERA mark led theCentral League[17] and his 14 wins ranked tied for second behind only teammateKenta Maeda, who signed with theLos Angeles Dodgers after the season.
After beginning the 2016 season strongly, Johnson signed a three-year extension in June to remain with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp beyond the current year.[18] On October 24, 2016, Johnson became the first foreign pitcher sinceGene Bacque in1964 to win theEiji Sawamura Award following a season including a 15-7 record, a 2.15 ERA and 141 strikeouts in180+1⁄3 innings.[19][20]
On December 2, 2020, he became a free agent.[21]
On August 18, 2021, Johnson announced his retirement from professional baseball.[22]
His paternal grandmother was born in Japan.[23]
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