Johnson’ s struggles continue in August

It’s been a tough two months for former closer Jim Johnson, but he remains confifident he’s improving.

Johnson has a 14.84 ERA in August. His nine blown saves rank No. 1 in the majors despite losing his closer duties to Arodys Vizcaino in July.

Johnson closed out Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Colorado with two-thirds of a scoreless inning. His last game came Wednesday with the Mariners series on the line. Johnson entered in the eighth inning with a 5-4 lead. He faced four batters, all of whom went on to score, and the Braves lost 9-6.

“Just focus one executing the pitch,” Johnson said. “That’s all I can focus on. Don’t worry. Some results are un favorable but if I just work on mechanics stuff and trying to execute more pitches, that’s all I can control. You know, it’s hard when it’s results-oriented, but I know progress is being made.”

When Johnson’s sinker won’t sink, his life is diffifficult. He’s had stretches similar to this in the past, but he’s struggled since early June.

“There’s a couple things going on mechanics-wise and stuffff like that,” he said. “But all in all, it comes down to executing pitches and making quality strikes. Just the things that all pitchers are trying to do. Throw strikes, locate your fastball, just stuffff like that. But mechanics are going to make a difference and getting some reps in.”