Former Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Jim Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves, the club announced Monday afternoon.
Johnson returns to Atlanta, where he enjoyed plenty of success last season prior to a failed stint with the Dodgers.
He was was acquired from Atlanta along with Luis Avilan, Jose Peraza and Alex Wood in July.
After recording nine saves to go with a 2.25 ERA and 3.24 FIP in 49 appearances with the Braves, Johnson struggled mightily with the Dodgers.
The 33 year old gave up a game-tying, solo home run in the eighth inning of his first appearance in Los Angeles, which served as a precursor of what lied ahead.
Johnson was 0-3 and had a 10.13 ERA, 5.01 FIP and 2.04 FIP in 18.2 innings over 23 appearances with the Dodgers.
He was sent home prior to the postseason beginning rather than Camelback Ranch as the Dodgers didn’t view the veteran right-hander as an option for their National League Division Series roster in the event of injury or moving forward had they advanced.
The Dodgers then designated Johnson for assignment on Oct. 14 when they claimed Brooks Brown off waivers from the Colorado Rockies. While the Dodgers reportedly are actively seeking to add to their bullpen, re-signing Johnson appeared highly unlikely.
