Jim Johnson

Braves keeping Jim Johnson at closer for now

The Atlanta Braves will stay with reliever Jim Johnson at closer while they ease Arodys Vizcaino into action.

What It Means:

We wrote earlier today that Vizcaino's return likely meant he would take back over the closer role, but the Braves will give him some time before this happens. They also plan to continue using Mauricio Cabrera as the setup man in the eighth inning, at least for the time being. Unless Vizcaino struggles, he should become the Braves closer again, but for now, Johnson -- and his 3.53 ERA this season -- remains fantasy relevant.

Johnson's 3.37 xFIP is lower than his ERA and he owns a 23.46 strikeout percentage (league average is 20.99 percent) in 43 1/3 innings pitched this season, while racking up 10 saves. We project him to record a 3.31 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP over the remaining course of the season.