Rob Johnson back with the New York Mets

The Mets have recalled Butte Central grad Rob Johnson, a pitcher catcher, from AAA Buffalo. This is Rob's second big-league stint this year. Last time up he was filling in as backup catcher after Josh Thole went on the 7-day disabled list for a concussion.

Johnson was very effective at the plate, hitting .313 and driving in a run in 11 games, but we all know what we secretly want more of:

Ten pitches, seven strikes, three outs, and one really angry Eric Thames.

The circumstances surrounding that pitching performance were a manager's nightmare. Starting pitcher Jonathan Niese was gone after three horrible innings. Manager Terry Collins had to use three relievers to get to the eighth inning, knowing that his long reliever, Miguel Batista, was going to start the game the next day. Not to mention, the Mets were already down 15-4.

I imagine the next few minutes went something like this:

Collins: Anyone in this dugout know how to pitch?

Johnson: I haven't done it since Legion ball, and even then I was just kinda messing around, but-

Collins: Start warming up.

Johnson will start tonight and catch Mets prospect Matt Harvey. The Mets have lost 11 of 12 since the All-Star break, their only win coming against the Nationals last week. Harvey and Johnson have played together in AAA and their familiarity (along with former backup catcher Mike Nickeas' sizzling .168 batting average) had a lot to do with Johnson getting the call. Here's hoping he sticks around.