Termarr Johnson, the fourth overall pick in the 2022 draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, has been promoted to High-A Greensboro.
In his time with Bradenton, Johnson batted .244/.419/.448 in 330 plate appearances, with 13 homers and seven stolen bases. He had a 21.8% walk rate and a 26.7% strikeout rate. Drafted for his pure hitting skills, Johnson had a slow start to his 2023 season, batting .214 with a .567 average in April. He gradually progressed each month, eventually batting .260/.468/.545 with six homers in 77 at-bats during the month of July. His power picked up over the final two months, with 12 of his 13 homers coming since June 2nd.
Johnson was drafted out of high school last summer. Greensboro is the equivalent of NCAA ball from a talent standpoint, while offering the challenge of players living away from team facilities for the first time. The final two months of the season will be a learning experience for the 19-year-old middle infielder, both on the field and off. The offense should be helped by the home park in Greensboro, but Johnson has the hitting skills to have success on the road.
NICK CIMILLO TO GREENSBORO
The Pirates drafted Nick Cimillo out of Rutgers in the 16th round last year. The first baseman’s driving tool is his power, and that has started to show up with six homers over the last two months. He batted .345/.458/.603 with three homers in 58 at-bats during the month of July.
Moving up to Greensboro will provide Cimillo with a more advanced challenge. He hit 16 homers during his final year with Rutgers, facing similar talent levels. This assignment will give him a chance to show if he can carry some of that hitting into the upper levels of pro ball. He will also replace the next guy.
WILL MATTHIESSEN TO ALTOONA
The Pirates drafted 6′ 7″ Will Matthiessen in the sixth round of the 2019 draft. The tall first baseman is in his age 25 season, but has begun to show improved hitting results over the last month. His more confident approach has led to a .280/.310/.561 line with five homers in 82 at-bats during the month of July. After the Pirates recently promoted Mason Martin to Indianapolis, there was a space for a first baseman open. Matthiessen will now get to test his new approach at a level which will indicate whether he’s got an MLB future.
OTHER MOVES
- The players acquired in the Rich Hill trade have started to receive their assignments. LHP Jackson Wolf has been assigned to Double-A Altoona. Outfielder Estuar Suero was assigned to the FCL Pirates.
- Malcom Nunez had his rehab assignment moved to Greensboro.
- Garret Forrester, the third baseman drafted in the third round this year, has been assigned to Bradenton.
