MILWAUKEE -- Right-handed rookie relief pitcher DJ Johnson took a curving, sometimes spiraling and at times seemingly endless route to the big leagues. But on Thursday, Johnson was chosen as part of the crew to keep the Rockies on the path to what they hope will be their first World Series title.
Undrafted out of Western Oregon University, a part of three different organizations, two independent leagues and the Mexican Winter League, Johnson, 29, was announced as part of the Rockies' roster for the National League Division Series against the Brewers.
:: NLDS schedule and results ::
While Johnson (1-0, 4.26 ERA in seven appearances), a September callup, was chosen for the seven-man bullpen, righty Bryan Shaw and lefty Jake McGee -- both signed to three-year, $27 million contracts this winter -- weren't. Neither was righty starter Jon Gray, the Opening Day starter the past two years and the starter in last year's NL Wild Card Game, as erstwhile starter Chad Bettis was selected for the right-handed long role out of the bullpen.
Johnson was scored upon just once -- three runs in 1 2/3 innings of a 12-2 loss to the Brewers on Sept. 29. Outside of that game, Johnson has been used effectively in a limited right-handed role. In all, he has struck out nine of the 27 batters he has faced.
Johnson, a Beaverton, Ore., native, played mostly first base in college because of a strained elbow and fleeting control. But after college, the Rays saw him pitch in an exhibition and signed him, only to release him after 14 appearances in 2010. From there, he was with the D-backs (2011-12), Twins (2014-15) and Angels (2016) before hooking up with the Rockies at Double-A Hartford last season. In and around those stops, he pitched in the independent Frontier League in 2011 and '14.
He showed promise with Hartford by posting a 2.80 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 64 innings, then added 32 more appearances with Los Mochis last winter. At Triple-A Albuquerque this year, he earned his shot at the big leagues by going 3-5 with a 4.39 ERA and 18 saves, with 84 strikeouts in 55 1/3 innings. Now he has earned his way into the postseason.
Here is a breakdown of the rest of the Rockies' 25-man NLDS roster:
Starting pitchers
The Rockies will go with four, and have their two most consistent starters lined up for Game 3 and, if necessary, Game 4, both at home. Antonio Senzatela opens Game 1 on Thursday, followed by lefty Tyler Anderson. While manager Bud Black hasn't announced it, Game 3 on Sunday means lefty Kyle Freeland, coming off 6 2/3 scoreless in a no-decision in Tuesday's 2-1 Wild Card Game vs. the Cubs, and righty German Marquez would set up for Monday's Game 4 -- with six days' rest after he struck out nine batters in 4 2/3 innings in Monday's NL West tiebreaker loss to the Dodgers.
Relievers
The 'pen went through various hiccups and injuries, but finally arrived with a solid four-man right-handed group to protect leads-- closer Wade Davis, primary setup man Adam Ottavino, Scott Oberg and Seunghwan Oh. Lefty Chris Rusin battled injuries and inconsistency but by the summer was pitching like the guy who was one of the Majors' best and most versatile relievers; he can face one batter or go multiple innings, and when on does not have to be a matchup guy. Rookie lefty Harrison Musgrave and Johnson set up for specialist work. Bettis rounds out the bullpen in a right-handed multi-inning role.
Catchers
For much of the season the Rockies carried three catchers, but the need for punch off the bench and matchups out of the bullpen dictated they go with two -- Chris Iannetta and Tony Wolters, both of whom have played all season and developed working relationships with a solid starting staff. Late acquisition Andrew Butera is the odd man out for this series.
Infielders
With NL home-run leader Nolan Arenado (38) and runner-up Trevor Story (37) on the left side, the group that also includes Ian Desmond and DJ LeMahieu combined for 112 home runs and 168 RBIs. Off the bench, left-handed-hitting rookie Ryan McMahon rebounded from a rough early-season introduction and had several big hits during the second half. He hit .216 as a substitute, but with three homers, two doubles and 10 RBIs in 58 plate appearances. Right-handed-hitting Garrett Hampson can play second or short, and has speed for pinch-running situations.
Outfielders
Leadoff man Charlie Blackmon and David Dahl, who had a power surge at the end of the regular season, are constants, with veterans Carlos Gonzalez and Matthew Holliday starting or coming off the bench depending on matchups. Lefty swinging Gerardo Parra, who began the season starting in left field, developed into a true pinch-hit weapon.
Here is the complete roster:
PITCHERS (12)
Tyler Anderson
Chad Bettis
Wade Davis
Kyle Freeland
DJ Johnson
German Marquez
Harrison Musgrave
Scott Oberg
Seunghwan Oh
Adam Ottavino
Chris Rusin
Antonio Senzatela
CATCHERS (2)
Chris Iannetta
Tony Wolters
INFIELDERS (6)
Nolan Arenado
Ian Desmond
Garrett Hampson
DJ LeMahieu
Ryan McMahon
Trevor Story
OUTFIELDERS (5)
Charlie Blackmon
David Dahl
Carlos Gonzalez
Matt Holliday
Gerardo Parra