Kaplan and Johnson Headed Up To St. Lucie
Published on June 3, 2009 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Savannah Sand Gnats News Release
SAVANNAH, Ga. - Two of Savannah's hottest pitchers move one step closer to the Major Leagues as RHP Jeff Kaplan and LHP Jimmy Johnson were called up to High-A St. Lucie, the New York Mets announced Wednesday afternoon. The Sand Gnats received RHP Samuel Martinez from Extended Spring Training to fill one of the two vacant roster spots.
Kaplan (4-2) has been Savannah's most consistent starter of the season, leading the team in wins (four), strikeouts (47) and a 1.46 ERA that ranks second best in the South Atlantic League. Kaplan, 23, was sparkling in the month of May with a 3-0 record and an 0.85 ERA in five starts. He allowed just nine earned runs in 55.2 innings with the Sand Gnats.
Johnson, 23, was Savannah's best arm out of the pen, not allowing a single run in the month of May. The La Mirada, Calif. native threw 17 straight scoreless innings in his final 13 appearances as a Sand Gnat. He had a 1-0 record with three saves and a miniscule 0.68 ERA which led the team. He inherited twenty runners when coming into games out of the bullpen and allowed only five of them to score.
Martinez, 21, will be making his second appearance in Georgia's First City when he rejoins the Gnats. He spent the majority of 2008 with the Gulf Coast League Mets and was called up to Savannah in the final month of the season. He made a monumental career change last season, switching positions from catcher to pitcher. He pitched in two games last year for Savannah, allowing six runs in 3.2 innings.
Martinez will be active for tonight's Website Wednesday matchup at 7 p.m. with the Charleston RiverDogs. For tickets and more information, visit www.sandgnats.com or call 912.351.9150.
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