The Braves claimed infielder Elliot Johnson from the Royals on Wednesday to provide some veteran depth on the infield. Johnson, who has played second, third and shortstop and both corner outfield positions with the Royals this season, will join the Braves Thursday in St. Louis.
The Braves are thin in the middle infield with Dan Uggla on the disabled list following laser eye surgery and Tyler Pastornicky having undergone season-ending knee surgery. The Braves have called up Phil Gosselin from Triple-A Gwinnett when Pastornicky got hurt, but he could be on his way back now with Johnson’s arrival.
The Braves plan to make two roster moves on Thursday when they arrive in St. Louis, one for Johnson and one for Paul Maholm, who’ll be coming off the disabled list to start.
Johnson hit .176 for Kansas City, which put him through release waivers on Monday after designating him for assignment last week. The 29-year-old played parts of his first three major league seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, before joining the Royals this season. He played 57 games at second base for the Royals, eight at shortstop, four at third base, two in right field and one in left.
“I know he’s a good player,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “He’s a guy who gives us some depth in the infield. Guy can steal you a base, switch-hitter.”
