SEATTLE -- He doesn't look physically imposing. He doesn't throw extremely hard. But reliever Steve Johnson has proven an uncanny ability to strike hitters out during his brief time with the Mariners, and that's a trend that certainly increases his value and long-term viability with his new club.
The 28-year-old right-hander signed a Minor League deal with the Mariners late in spring after being released by the Rangers, but pitched well enough in Triple-A Tacoma that his name was called when general manager Jerry Dipoto needed a replacement for a sore-shouldered Tony Zych on May 3.