Chicago Cubs: Most likely September call-ups who can contribute

Chicago Cubs Call-up Candidates: Pierce Johnson

Pierce Johnson is a name even casual fans would probably recognize. The Cubs drafted the right-hander back in 2012 in the first round and he’s dealt with high expectations ever since.

He made his big-league debut in May this year against the Brewers, surrendering a pair of unearned runs in a inning of work. But, the bulk of his year was spent with the Iowa Cubs, where he struggled to keep runs off the board.

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Johnson owns a disappointing 4.84 ERA this year with the I-Cubs, making 39 appearances out of the bullpen. Averaging over 12 strikeouts per nine, he is also walking nearly five batters per game, something that, by this point, probably seems like a familiar occurrence amongst most of the names on this list.

"Johnson has a long history of injuries, many of which aren’t arm-related, dating back to high school. He also has spotty control and command that have gotten worse since he reached Double-A in 2014. He has the stuff and mentality to thrive in the bullpen, though he’ll have to locate his pitches better before he can help the Cubs."

2016 marked the worst season of his professional career. But now that his starting days are behind him, Chicago hopes the right-hander can stay healthy and finally put together a streak of quality performances before rosters expand next month.