TicketsJune 9, 2010
CINCINNATI - On the final day of the 2010 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, University of Cincinnati senior pitcher/first baseman Kevin Johnson (Willard, Ohio/Willard) was selected with the 21st pick in the 42nd round by the Texas Rangers.
Johnson was previously drafted during the 38th round of the 2009 MLB Draft by the Florida Marlins, but opted to return to Cincinnati for his senior season.
Johnson played in all 58 games for Cincinnati in 2010 and split time between first base and the mound. He hit .258, with nine home runs, drove in 35 runs, and tied for the team lead in doubles with 14. Johnson had 12 multi-hit performances on the season and 10 multi-RBI games, including two three-RBI games against USF (4/3) and Georgetown (5/20). His final three-RBI game against Georgetown came on a walk-off, three-run home run to clinch Cincinnati's spot in the BIG EAST Conference Championships.
On the mound, Johnson made 11 appearances, including six starts, and posted a 1-2 record. He struck out 22 batters in 31.1 innings and owned an ERA of 3.73.
Johnson is projected as a pitcher at the next level and is the second UC player to be drafted in the 2010 MLB Draft, joining Brian Garman, who was drafted in the 17th round by the Milwaukee Brewers.