Chris Johnson began the season in a third-base platoon with Juan Francisco, playing mostly against left-handers even though Johnson has always hit better against right-handers. And he’s batted eighth more than anywhere else in the lineup, a spot some hitters loathe because they don’t get as many good pitches to hit.
Those factors make it even more impressive what Johnson has done in his first season with the Braves, batting .332 with 25 extra-base hits (six homers), a .374 on-base percentage and .855 OPS in 72 games before Tuesday. That included going 15-for-37 (.405) with eight RBIs in a nine-game hitting streak.
He’s hit well since spring training, but has become more consistent since he became lineup regular after Francisco was traded.
“That’s the thing that helps the most, the fact that you can play day-to-day,” Johnson said. “When you’re platooning, I wanted to get out there and get some hits, because there could be two righties the next two days and you may not get to hit for a couple of days. Now I can go out there, have my approach and work on it day-in and day-out. You get in a groove, and it’s just easier to stay in that groove playing every day.”
He’s had a .349 average in his past 44 games with 12 doubles, four homers, a .396 OBP and .514 slugging percentage. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez has continued to hit Johnson eighth — despite pleas of many fans who want him higher in the order. Gonzalez likes having Johnson down in the order to give the Braves lineup some balance and a real threat there.
“The eighth hole, sometimes (teams) just throw a guy down there and don’t worry about it,” Gonzalez said. “But a lot of times the eighth hole comes up big during the course of the game. Occasionally with runners on base, they’ll (pitch around him), and you need a guy down there to be able to handle that situation.”
Before Tuesday, Johnson hit .372 with four homers, a .426 OBP and .581 slugging percentage in 86 at-bats when hitting eighth, his best in each of those categories at any of four lineup spots where had at least 30 at-bats.
“Really, the only difference hitting eighth is when there are guys in scoring position,” Johnson said. “Then you have to determine whether the pitcher wants to throw you strikes or not.”
He’s one of the few Braves who’ve hit well with runners in scoring position, with a .304 average before Tuesday.
“When there’s guys in scoring position, you have to recognize quickly if they’re trying to pitch to you or around you (batting eighth),” he said. “That’s the thing. If they’re not, you have to be more patient. That’s one thing that’s helped me out is, I haven’t been able to be patient in my career, so now I’ve kind of realized that, and I think it’s helped me out a little bit….
“I don’t mind (hitting eighth). I would never ask to be moved up. I would never say that I wanted to be. That would be a slap in the face of the seven guys who are batting ahead of me. Plus, I’m in the lineup every day. That’s all I want.”
C. Martinez surgery: Reliever Cristhian Martinez had shoulder surgery Monday to repair fraying of the labrum and rotator cuff. Expected recovery time is seven to eight months after the procedure, which was performed by Dr. James Andrews.
On his Twitter page, Martinez wrote: “Thanks to God’s blessing surgery went well, I appreciate all the love and support given to me by the fans. See you soon, God bless.”
Gonzalez said he knew that Martinez was traveling to Pensacola for a second opinion on his shoulder and that surgery was being considered. But, as of 4 p.m., he hadn’t received any update on the situation. The Braves made no announcement until just before 10 p.m.
Martinez had a 3.63 ERA in 100 appearances with the Braves during the 2011-2012 seasons. He pitched in two games in the first week of this season before complaining of soreness in his right shoulder.
Gattis, Schafer updates: Evan Gattis hit soft-tossed pitches and caught Tim Hudson's between-starts bullpen session Tuesday in Miami, another step in the rookie slugger's return from a strained oblique.
Gattis could take batting practice as soon as Wednesday, although the Braves might have him wait until they get back to Atlanta for that. They start a four-game home series against the Reds on Thursday. Gattis isn’t likely to come off the DL until after next week’s All-Star break.
Outfielder Jordan Schafer, on the DL with a badly bruised ankle, was given the OK to do some light running Tuesday. He said Monday was the first day the ankle felt “a lot better.” He’s eligible to come off the DL July 19, the first day after the All-Star break.
Mejia in home run derby: Gwinnett Braves first baseman Ernesto Mejia was selected by the International League to participate in the Triple-A All-Star Home Run Derby on Monday in Reno, Nev.
