Since the Los Angeles Dodgers hired Andrew Friedman as president of baseball operations, the organization has grown its front office and left no stone unturned in their efforts to add depth to the Major League roster and Minor League affiliates.
Their approach has often drawn the ire of the fan base, with many preferring the club pursue big-name free agents. The Dodgers’ vision has paid dividends as they’ve managed to absorb a record number of injuries.
What’s more, their once-depleted farm system is now lauded as being among the best in all of baseball.
In keeping with the focus on the organization’s depth chart(s), the Dodgers signed former first baseman Dan Johnson to a Minor League contract, per Darren Wolfson of KSTP:
Congrats to Saints P Dan Johnson. Knuckleballer signed by #Dodgers organization. Heading to AA. 10 years in MLB as a hitter. Great story.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) August 22, 2016
Johnson infamously hit a home run for the Tampa Bay Rays during the final game of the 2011 season, which helped send the club to the postseason. He last appeared in a Major League game on July 28, 2015 with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Over parts of 10 seasons in the Majors, Johnson hit .234/.335/.405 with 57 home runs and 203 RBIs. Johnson’s most extensive experience came in 2007 when he appeared in 117 games with the Oakland Athletics.
The 37-year-old has played for three teams in the Independent League this season, remaking his career as a knuckleball pitcher. Johnson is a combined 4-7 with 5.92 ERA and 1.53 WHIP over 17 games (15 starts).
