A's Designate Struggling Reliever Jim Johnson For Assignment
OAKLAND (CBS SF) - The man who was supposed to close games for the A's this year won't even be on the team as the team makes its final playoff push.
The Athletics designated former closer Jim Johnson for assignment Thursday, giving them ten days to trade, release or waive him. Johnson was removed from the closer role after a rough start to the season, but things did not improve during his outings in a setup role, and he was let loose from the 25 man roster with a 6.92 ERA during his time in Oakland.
#Athletics recall Evan Scribner from Sacramento and designate Jim Johnson for assignment.
— Oakland Athletics (@Athletics) July 24, 2014
Johnson was brought in to replace Grant Balfour, who left during the offseason to join Tampa Bay. He was acquired from the Orioles for Jemile Weeks and David Freitas, and was the 2nd highest paid player on the team behind Yoenis Cespedes. He's still due the balance of his $10 million salary.
Johnson will be replaced in the bullpen by Evan Scribner, who has 14 saves for AAA Sacramento this season.
