Charlotte Knights pitcher Erik Johnson traded to Padres
Knights right-hander Erik Johnson, who compiled a 2-1 record with a 2.94 ERA this season in eight games with Charlotte, was traded to the San Diego Padres on Saturday, along with shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., in a deal for right-hander James Shields and cash considerations.
The 26-year-old pitcher was the International League’s Most Valuable Pitcher last season after leading the IL in ERA (2.37) and strikeouts (136). Also last season, Johnson became the first Knights starting pitcher elected to the IL Postseason All-Star Team since Carlos Torres in 2009. He was also Charlotte’s first IL Most Valuable Pitcher since Heath Phillips in 2006.
A 2015 International League All-Star, Johnson was selected to start the Triple-A All-Star Game, which took place on July 15 in Omaha, NE. After tossing two scoreless innings for the IL squad that night, Johnson joined Julian Tavarez (1994), Charlie Haeger (2006), and Carlos Torres (2010) as the only Knights to start the game.
Originally drafted by the White Sox in the second round of the June 2011 draft, Johnson went 0-2 with a 6.94 ERA in two starts for the White Sox this season. In parts of four seasons at the major league level, he’s 7-6 with a 4.50 ERA in 18 starts.
▪ OF Jason Coats, who was leading the International League with a .335 batting average, had his contract purchased by the White Sox. Right-hander Tommy Kahnle was optioned to Charlotte after Friday night’s game.
Saturday’s game
Knights 8, IronPigs 4: Vinny Rottino’s three-run home run sparked a six-run third inning for Charlotte at BB&T BallPark.
Rottino reached base four times and drove in four runs for the Knights (29-28). Second baseman Carlos Sanchez also homered, and center fielder Jason Bourgeois had three hits and scored twice.
Knights starter Chris Volstad evened his record at 4-4 with six innings of work. he allowed five hits and three runs. David Buchanan (3-4) took the loss for Lehigh Valley (29-26).
The teams meet in the series finale Sunday afternoon at 2:05.
This story was originally published June 4, 2016 at 7:40 PM with the headline "Charlotte Knights pitcher Erik Johnson traded to Padres."