Johnson bolsters case for spot in Red Sox rotation

BRADENTON, FL — Brian Johnson added to his case to be in the starting rotation when the season starts thanks to another strong performance in the Boston Red Sox’ 2-1 Grapefruit League win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.

The southpaw held the Pirates’ bats at bay over four innings of work, surrendering just two hits while striking out a pair.

Mookie Betts drove in the Red Sox’ first run in the top of the fifth inning with an RBI double to score Rusney Castillo, but was thrown out trying to extend it to a triple. Andrew Benintendi followed up Betts with a solo home run to right field to make it 2-0.

Adam Frazier would get the Pirates on the board in the bottom of the frame with an RBI single, but the Pittsburgh offense was silenced the rest of the way.

Red Sox relievers Robby Scott and Roenis Elias both saw action. Scott hurled a scoreless sixth inning and Elias threw a scoreless seventh and eighth.

In four starts this spring, Johnson is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA over 11 innings.

Nate Rollins is an intern in the Boston 25 Sports Department. 

Cox Media Group