Micah Johnson was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced. Johnson was recalled from OKC over the weekend, in a corresponding move to placing Carl Crawford on the 15-day disabled list due to back soreness.
Johnson appeared as a pinch-hitter for Clayton Kershaw in the ninth inning on Saturday, then remained in the game at second base. He was the final position player Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had at his disposal. Johnson was again used as a pinch-hitter the following afternoon.
Acquired in December’s three-team trade with the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox, Johnson went 0-for-3 in his brief stint with the Dodgers. In nine plate appearances over two games with Oklahoma City, the 25 year old hit .333/.333/.333, had two stolen bases and two strikeouts.
Roberts referred to the speedy Johnson as a ‘dynamic player’ during Spring Training. He batted .345/.345/.379 with one double and two RBIs in 13 Cactus League games.
Monday’s roster move is served as a precursor to Howie Kendrick getting reinstated from the DL for Tuesday’s 2016 Dodger Stadium opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Kendrick began the season on the DL with a strained left calf. He’s fresh off completing a four-game rehab assignment with High-A Rancho Cucamonga.
Yasmani Grandal (forearm soreness) is also expected to get reinstated from the DL. Meaning, the Dodgers would need to clear another roster spot. One option is placing Scott Van Slyke, who was removed on Saturday with back tightness, on the DL. However, Roberts did indicate signs were pointing to Van Slyke avoiding such fate.
