Gwaltney Promoted, Johnson Added
June 7, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Peoria Chiefs News Release
PEORIA, ILâ The Peoria Chiefs in conjunction with the Chicago Cubs have announced that Midwest League All-Star Lee Gwaltney has been promoted to Daytona and last year's top draft choice Grant Johnson will be added to the roster. Johnson is expected to take Gwaltney's spot in the rotation which means he will start Thursday night at O'Brien Field at 7:00 against the Beloit Snappers.
Johnson was the Cubs first pick in the 2004 draft, taken off the board in the 2nd round out of Notre Dame. The right-hander didn't sign until mid-August and suffered a hamstring injury in spring training delaying his professional debut. It is not immediately known whose slot on the roster Johnson will take or when he will make his 2005 debut with the Chiefs.
The LaGrange, Illinois native went 6-0 in 2004 for the Fighting Irish and led the Big East with a 1.87 ERA in 14 starts. He finished his college career 15-5. As a high school star, Johnson led Lyons Township High School to the AA state semifinals in both baseball and basketball. He went 29-6 in high school with a 1.53 ERA and 8 saves en route to being named the AP Player of the Year in Illinois as a senior with a 12-1 record.
Gwaltney was named to the Midwest League All-Star team on Tuesday after posting a 4-1 record and a 2.56 ERA in 10 starts. The Willow Park, TX native won his last start defeating Lansing on Saturday to get the Chiefs back to .500. In that start, Gwaltney went seven shutout innings allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out seven. He held opponents to a .210 batting average and allowed just one homer on the season while striking out 50 in 56 1/3 innings of work.
For more information check out the team website at www.peoriachiefs.com.
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