Jim Johnson is a Must-Add Relief Pitcher

May 11, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Jim Johnson (53) throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the ninth inning at Great American Ball Park. The Braves won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

There are three things no one can escape. Death, taxes and fantasy baseball injuries. The newest victim is Atlanta Braves closer Jason Grilli. Grilli injured himself as he was running to cover first base. As a result, relief pitcher Jim Johnson is expected to take over the closer role for the rest of the season. If you need closer depth or need a replacement, Johnson is the guy to grab.

When the injury happened, no one knew the extent of the injury, but it was serious. The information after the game revealed that Grilli suffered a ruptured Achilles in the game, and will miss the rest of the season.

Grilli took over the closer role after the Braves traded Craig Kimbrel the day before Opening Day. He was doing a great job, too. He recorded 24 saves with a 2.94 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. He currently ranks 15th on the season, and second in the last 30 days, among closers on ESPN’s Player Rater.

As for the new closer, Johnson has previous closer experience. He recorded 101 saves with the Baltimore Orioles between 2012 and 2013. While Johnson is not the best when it comes to ERA and WHIP, 3.45 and 1.31 career respectively, he has pitched well enough this year to earn some votes. In 44 games this season, Johnson has a 2.09 ERA and 1.23 WHIP.

The Braves do have other options if Johnson isn’t at the top of their list. Arodys Vizcaino has looked good in the small sample this season. He has 3.0 innings pitched with 0.00 ERA and 1.33 WHIP. Williams Perez is another option once he returns from the DL with a foot injury. He’s been out since late June, but had a 2.88 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 11 games this season.

However, I do believe Johnson is the next man up. His previous closer experience makes him the perfect candidate. Fantasy owners are already making the switch from Grilli to Johnson. Jim Johnson has been picked up in 16.7 percent of ESPN.com leagues over the last week. Grilli has been dropped in 13.4 percent.

With very little on the waiver wire in terms of saves, Jim Johnson may be your last shot to help in that category.