Reds claim Micah Johnson from Braves

The Braves lost utilityman Micah Johnson to the Reds on waivers Thursday.

Johnson, 26, was acquired from the Dodgers before this season. He opened the season on the disabled list before he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 8 with a wrist injury.

Appearing in only 18 games with 11 plate appearances, Johnson didn’t get much of an opportunity on the 2017 Braves. He hit .200. His versatility wasn’t nearly as valuable after Johan Camargo impressed and the team added Danny Santana.

Johnson’s loss opens up another spot on the 40-man roster. The Braves have several prospects that need to be protected from the Rule 5 draft, so each spot is valuable.

Once a speedy prospect in the White Sox system, Johnson could still carve out a bench role. Perhaps that will be with the Reds, an organization lighter on depth than the Braves or Dodgers.

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