Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times hears that Dan Johnson has interest in returning to the Rays, but may end up signing with a Japanese team.

Johnson was recently non-tendered by the White Sox after appearing in 14 games as a September call-up. He would likely have to accept a minor league deal with the Rays, so guaranteed money in Japan could be a better bet.

Dan Johnson had an out-of-nowhere career night in Chicago's 9-0, season-ending win over the Indians, ripping three home runs and tallying five RBI.

Paul Konerko and Dayan Viciedo also went deep for the White Sox. Johnson was making just his sixth start since being recalled from Triple-A Charlotte on September 1. The home runs were his first of the season. It's a nice last impression as Johnson heads back to free agency, but he's unlikely to break spring training as part of someone's 25-man roster.

White Sox reassigned INFs Dan Johnson, Jim Gallagher, Dallas McPherson, Tyler Saladino, OF Jordan Danks and C Josh Phegley to minor league camp.

No surprises here. Johnson posted a cool .333/.500/.625 batting line in the Cactus League this spring, but he never really had much of a shot at a backup job.