Jake Johansen focuses on breaking pitch, command in AFL work

Right-hander Jake Johansen moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen to start the 2015 campaign. He continues to make solid progress as he wraps up play in the Arizona Fall League.

Johansen has the frame the Nationals love. The 25-year-old is 6-foot-6 and 235 lbs. That imposing frame, coupled with a high-90s fastball makes baseball life difficult on hitters.

Johansen was a combined 4-1 with a 3.19 ERA and one save in 24 appearances in 2016 with three different levels. He had 29 strikeouts and 22 walks. This was more like what Johansen can do as a pitcher after a 1-8 record and 5.06 ERA in 2015.

Glendale and low Single-A Hagerstown pitching coach Sam Narron has been working with Johansen for a few seasons as they look to define his role.

"I had the fortune to have Jake when he was signed and then that entire year in 2014 and I had him again this year," Narron said. "Since becoming a starter he's now moved into the bullpen. He's kind of found a nice role there. He still has that big fastball. His first outing here he got to 97 mph. The fastball is still there."

The key for Johansen is spotting his pitches and that has been his focus in Arizona. Johansen is also looking to perfect his breaking pitch offering.

"It's always been a matter of him throwing the baseball over the plate," Narron said. "I could not be more pleased with the way he's going about his business out here. He's thrown the ball consistently down in the zone. He's got good sink to it.

"He's starting to throw a breaking ball. Now he relies primarily on the fastball and the changeup this past season. He's working on that breaking ball out here. When Jake throws the baseball over the plate like he's done in his first two outings, he's very tough to hit. He gave up some hits, but all of his hits are very soft. Guys do not square him up. We are hoping for more of the same. He's been very good."

In four appearances with Glendale, Johansen is 0-0 with a 1.17 ERA. In 7 2/3 innings, he has scattered eight hits, allowing one run in his first appearance with one walk and three strikeouts.

Similar to left-hander Sammy Solis, the Nationals are hoping the converted starter with a great fastball can command his stuff, refine his breaking pitch, stay healthy and make his way up the chain in 2017.