Kelly Johnson will start DH for the New York Mets in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday night in Kansas City against the Royals.
It will be the first start for the utility player. Johnson provides another left-handed bat in the lineup against right-hander Edinson Volquez. The 33-year-old has gone 1-for-6 with four strikeouts so far this postseason. This will be the first opportunity that he could get into some kind of groove at the plate. He’s excited for the opportunity.
Kelly Johnson will DH for #Mets in Game 1.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) October 26, 2015
"I think the adrenaline of this World Series is going to be enough," Johnson told MLB.com. "I'll obviously be able to have an at-bat to build on to the next one, rather than just to pinch-hit where you have to just throw it away. We'll see what happens. The game will play out, whether there's guys on when I come up or a situation to be had, I'll be ready."
Johnson had a .250/.304/.414 batting line with 5 HR in 138 regular-season at-bats since the Atlanta Braves traded him and Juan Uribe to the Mets at the trade deadline. The 10-year pro is a veteran batter that can work counts and not be shy of the big moment.