The Cleveland Indians have designated Chris Johnson for assignment, the team confirmed on Twitter. Johnson’s roster spot was needed once recently acquired outfielder Rajai Davis completed his physical and was added to the 40-man roster, which happened earlier today.
Johnson was brought over in the 2015 season as part of a deal that sent Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn to Atlanta Braves. He was little more than a way for the Braves to balance out their own budget while taking on Swisher and Bourn's contracts, and never had much of a future in Cleveland anyway. It is very surprising, however, to see him designated for assignment before someone like outfielder Jerry Sands.