MiLB’s stolen base, runs leader joins Dash
In addition to the postgame fireworks display, the Fourth of July will bring about some fireworks on the bases at BB&T Ballpark. Infielder Micah Johnson, who leads Minor League Baseball with 61 stolen bases and 76 runs scored, has been promoted to Winston-Salem from Low-A Kannapolis, the White Sox announced Wednesday afternoon.
Entering Wednesday’s action, Johnson has 12 more stolen bases than any other player in the minor leagues. Both Louisville’s Billy Hamilton and Lake Elsinore’s Travis Jankowski have swiped 49 bases. A year ago, Hamilton set the single-season minor league record with 155 stolen bases, a total that does not include his two swipes during the 2012 California-Carolina League All-Star Game at BB&T Ballpark.
His run total is four better than Byron Buxton, a highly-touted Minnesota farmhand who recently jumped to High-A Fort Myers in the Florida State League.
In addition to his stolen base exploits, Johnson boasts the third-best batting average in the South Atlantic League (.342) to go along with six homers and 42 RBIs. Chicago’s ninth-round pick in 2012, Johnson was a midseason All-Star in the SAL.
Johnson, who primarily plays second base, will join the Dash in advance of Thursday’s series opener against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. He takes the roster spot of outfielder Josh Richmond, who was placed on the disabled list late last night with a blister on his left foot.
- Brian
