Newly released reliever Jim Johnson to work out for Orioles
Jim Johnson, who was recently designated for assignment and then released by the Oakland Athletics, will work out with his former team, the Baltimore Orioles, on Monday, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Johnson spent his first six major league seasons with the Orioles, serving as their closer in 2012 and 2013 and leading the majors in saves both seasons. He was traded to Oakland last offseason to be the A's closer in 2014 but lost the job just eight games into the season, compiling a 7.14 ERA before being released.
According to the Sun, Johnson will throw a side session at the Orioles's spring training complex in Sarasota, Florida, on Monday, and the team wants to sign him to a minor league deal. Baltimore's hope is that Johnson could work out his mechanical issues there and then join the team in September.
However, other teams have reportedly shown interest in the pitcher as well, and another could offer him a major league deal instead.
More: Ballpark Quirks: How warehouse came to forefront at Camden Yards
Johnson will cost a team that signs him just the prorated league minimum. The Athletics are required to pay him the $10 million he is owed in 2014.
- Molly Geary
