The Pirates released Johnson on June 9.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson was set to open the season at Double-A Altoona, but he'll now have to look elsewhere for work with Pittsburgh releasing several minor-league players in anticipation of affiliated ball being canceled in 2020. The infielder spent the entire 2019 season at Triple-A level as a member of the Reds organization and slashed .241/.353/.355 across 241 plate appearances.

Johnson was outrighted to Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson was cast off the team's 40-man roster in order to free up space for prospects in need of protection from the upcoming Rule 5 draft. The 28-year-old spent most of the 2018 campaign on the farm, hitting a combined .251/.345/.409 across 66 games with Salt Lake and Double-A Mobile. Johnson also appeared in 10 games with the big club, though he went hitless with four strikeouts in 10 at-bats.

Johnson was invited to major league spring training Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson got his first taste of Triple-A last season, but he only managed to bat .226 in just under 400 at-bats. His 12.8 percent walk rate certainly is impressive, but at age 26, he'll likely be relegated to the minors until he can hit upper-level pitching more consistently.