The Red Sox have called up top prospect Brian Johnson, as first reported by Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal. While his role before the All-Star break is currently unclear, he is likely to be in the team's rotation after the break.
Boston's 40-man roster is full, meaning that they will need to subtract someone in order to promote Johnson in time for tonight's game against the Yankees. One possible move would be moving outfielder Bryce Brentz to the 60-day disabled list, as he is out for at least three months due to a thumb injury.
The promotion of Johnson likely comes as a reaction to Clay Buchholz getting taken out of last night's game with elbow trouble, although the extent of the ace righty's injury is not yet known. If Buchholz is out for a significant portion of time, Johnson could step into his spot and try to emulate the success of fellow southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez, who has been excellent for the Red Sox since being called up in late May.
Johnson, 24, was the Sox' first-round pick (31st overall) out of Florida in the 2012 draft, and has posted an excellent 2.73 ERA in sixteen starts with Triple-A Pawtucket so far this season. He was ranked by Baseball America as the organization's fifth-best prospect before the season, ranking behind Rodriguez, Blake Swihart and Rusney Castillo, who have all made their major-league debuts, and lefty Henry Owens.