Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp react to Troy Johnston call-up

[Kevin Barral]

JACKSONVILLE, FL—After years of being one call away from the major leagues, Troy Johnston has received his long-awaited promotion. The Miami Marlins selected the contract of the longtime minor league first baseman/outfielder, filling the spot that previously belonged to catcher Nick Fortes. Johnston is in Tuesday's starting lineup to make his MLB debut against the St. Louis Cardinals, hitting seventh and playing first base.

"It's amazing. He's ready," said Jumbo Shrimp hitting coach Mike Marjama. "It's been a long time coming. When we found out, me and (manager David Carpenter) were here yesterday—I was in the gym and he was in his office. We both heard screams from each side of the complex. We ran and met in the middle, just like killing each other. He means a lot to this team, to the staff and to the players here. Seeing this happen to this guy is pretty incredible."

Johnston was selected in the 17th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Once he takes the field, he will become the 11th big leaguer produced by the Marlins from that draft class.

Marjama said that being "open, transparent and honest" has made Johnston very coachable. He also praised Johnston's "development and prep, staying ahead of the game, continually working on the little things."

Johnston played 636 minor league games and totaled 2,741 plate appearances, including parts of four seasons at the AAA level. Through 84 games this season with Jacksonville, the 28-year-old slashed .252/.333/.439/.773 with 12 home runs, 39 RBI, 31 stolen bases and a 108 wRC+.

Johnston has been splitting time between first base and left field.

"Mainly, when he was with me in Pensacola, he was at first base," said Kevin Randel, who was his Double-A manager. "New position, so obviously I've seen that get better over time, but the outfield numbers have really surprised me and his infield defense has been getting better year after year."

Johnston fully embraced his time in Jacksonville, even partnering with Jumbo Shrimp broadcaster Scott Kornberg to co-host the Turn 2 with Scott & Troy podcast where they interview Johnston's teammates and discuss the minor league lifestyle.

It's a fluid situation with the trade deadline only two days away, but as the Marlins roster is currently constructed, Johnston should be getting frequent starts at first base against right-handed pitching with Eric Wagaman handling first against lefties.

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[THOMAS JOSEPH]

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