Last year for the Fighting Illini, Johnson appeared in 16 games, finishing the season with a 1-1 record and a 6.00 ERA. The 6’3”, 200-pounder struck out 21 hitters in 39 innings pitched.

"I am very excited to be pitching for the Bucks this summer,” said Johnson. “I have heard nothing but great things about the team and coaching staff."

Johnson played for the Fayetteville SwampDogs of the Coastal Plain League during the summer of 2012 under former Waterloo manager Darrell Handelsman. The Chillicothe, Illinois native finished the season with a 2-0 record, a 2.36 ERA, and 21 strikeouts in 9 appearances.

"Drasen (pronounced DRAY-zen) is a guy who is going to pound the strike zone and get guys out,” said Waterloo pitching coach Tony Manville. “He comes from a great program at Illinois and gives us another great starting arm. He has had success in summer ball before and we are excited to see what he can do for us this summer."  

Born December 23, 1991, Johnson attended Illinois Valley Central High School where he was listed as the number 25 prospect in the class of 2010 in Illinois by Prep Baseball Report. Johnson went 8-2 with a 2.07 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 67 innings as a senior. Drasen is the son of Greg and Jessica Johnson.

The Bucks will open the 2013 season at home versus the St. Cloud Rox on May 29. Season tickets, group outings, and single-game tickets are currently on sale. For more information, call the Bucks’ Ticket Line at (319) 232-5633. Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks in the off-season by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com.

– 30 –