Johnson signed a minor-league contract with the Angels on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson owns a respectable 4.74 career ERA in 171 innings at the major-league level. The last of those came in 2019, however, and he's been out of affiliated ball since getting released by the Red Sox last August. His only game action over the last two years has come this season with the Milwaukee Milkmen of the independent American Association, where he struck out eight batters and walked none over five scoreless innings. He's expected to head to Triple-A Salt Lake once he clears health and safety protocols.

Johnson is seeking other major-league opportunities following his release, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

After Johnson left the Red Sox's alternate training site recently, there was some speculation that he could be opting out of the 2020 season. However, manager Ron Roenicke revealed Monday that the southpaw was unhappy that he was still in alternate camp. Since he didn't have any options remaining, Boston granted his release so he could seek opportunities elsewhere. While it's unclear whether he'll find a spot in a major-league rotation, Johnson appears committed to playing in 2020.

Johnson (personal) was granted his release by the Red Sox on Monday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson recently left the alternate training site in Pawtucket without providing an explanation for his departure, but he'll now hit free agency. It's unclear whether the southpaw plans to play during the remainder of the 2020 season amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but he'll be free to sign elsewhere. Johnson was viewed as a candidate for Boston's major-league rotation this year and could serve as a starter if he returns in 2020.

Johnson recently left the Red Sox's alternate training site in Pawtucket and returned home to Florida, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson nor the team has provided an explanation for his departure, but sources familiar with his situation believe the 29-year-old may opt out of the 2020 season. The southpaw most recently tossed 5.1 innings in a simulated game Friday and was viewed as a potential option for the big-league rotation, but his lack of a 40-man roster spot may have hindered his chances of receiving a callup.

Johnson is a candidate to replace Ryan Weber in the starting rotation, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Boston manager Ron Roenicke indicated that someone from the alternate training camp in Pawtucket would replace Weber, so Dylan Covey, who was called up Saturday after Weber was optioned, is expected to pitch out of the bullpen. "We already have plans on who's going to come up and be one of the other starters. And like we talked about, we're waiting to see if somebody takes off. And who knows? Maybe that will be the third or fourth spot and every fifth day we won't have to worry about it," Roenicke said. Johnson pitched a simulated game Friday, per Christopher Smith of MassLive.com, which puts the left-hander on schedule to throw Wednesday on regular rest. The Red Sox would need to add Johnson to the 40-man roster.

Johnson did not make the 30-man roster but will remain stretched out at the alternate training site, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Eduardo Rodriguez out indefinitely due to complications in his recovery from COVID-19, the Red Sox enter the season with very few established big-league starters. Johnson could join the rotation sometime soon, but the plan is for the team to use an opener as the fourth starter and one of Matt Hall or Jeffrey Springs as the fifth starter.

Johnson tossed three innings in an intrasquad game Sunday, throwing 38 pitches (24 strikes), Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson was removed from the 40-man roster during the offseason, but the left-hander is looking like a candidate to be added to the 40-man as the team's No. 4 starter, per manager Ron Roenicke. "Yes, I do," the manager responded when asked whether he sees Johnson as a potential fourth starter. "We all do. Hopefully he continues [to progress]. We can build him up and then see where we are at the end." The Red Sox have two rotation spots open with Eduardo Rodriguez (illness) doubtful to be ready for the start of the season. Even if Johnson doesn't land in the rotation, it looks like he'd be part of the bullpen with two left-handers, Josh Taylor and Darwinzon Hernandez, recovering from COVID-19.

Johnson was added to the Red Sox's 60-man player pool.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson, who is not on the 40-man roster, is expected to land there eventually. He's been a regular on Boston's staff the last couple of seasons, serving as a starter and reliever, before he was exposed to waivers during the offseason. There were no takers, and he's back in a familiar spot -- caught somewhere between the rotation and the bullpen. With Chris Sale (elbow) out for the year and Collin McHugh's availability to start the regular season uncertain due to an elbow, Johnson could find himself as part of the rotation early on or at least serving as an opener. The left-hander is not overpowering and didn't fool many in 2019 when he posted a 6.02 ERA and 1.88 WHIP.

Johnson could serve as a starter for the Red Sox in 2020, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson served as both a starter and reliever for the major-league club in 2019 prior to being outrighted off the 40-man roster during the offseason. However, he's been relatively effective this spring with a 3.86 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over five appearances (two starts), which led to interim manager Ron Roenicke listing him as an option to start in 2020 after Chris Sale (elbow) opted for Tommy John surgery Thursday. Roenicke also named Ryan Weber as an option, and it would appear as though Weber has the slight edge after exhibiting dominance on the mound this spring. However, Johnson could serve as a fill-in starter or join the rotation if more injuries occur.

Johnson has a 3.86 ERA over five spring appearances, including two starts.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson was dropped from the 40-man roster during the offseason despite being a hybrid starter/reliever for Boston the last two seasons. A best-case scenario for the left-hander, who is being stretched out in camp, is as a temporary fill-in starter for Chris Sale (elbow). The Red Sox are also kicking around the notion of using an opener as their fifth starter, in which case there may not be room for Johnson.