Orioles release Bourn and Johnson

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles held an organizational meeting after today's game and cemented three roster moves.

Outfielder Michael Bourn requested and was given his release, the opt-out date on his minor league deal arriving today. Infielder Chris Johnson also was released, and as previously reported, catcher Chance Sisco was reassigned to minor league camp.

The Orioles are down to 38 players in major league camp, including six non-roster invitees.

The only mild surprise involves Bourn, who's been unable to play since breaking the ring finger on his right hand while trying to catch a football. He isn't expected to get into a game before mid-April, but perhaps can find a better opportunity elsewhere.

Bourn agreed to a minor league deal on Feb. 20 that paid $2 million if he reached the majors and included another $3.5 million worth of incentives. The injury occurred less than a week later.

Bourn played in 24 games with the Orioles last summer after being acquired from the Diamondbacks for outfielder Jason Heinrich, who recently came back to the organization on a minor league deal.

Johnson, the son of Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson, batted .269 (18-for-67) with six doubles, three home runs, 11 RBIs and 17 strikeouts in 24 games this spring. He didn't appear in today's 11-9 loss to the Red Sox.

The Orioles signed Johnson on Feb. 13 and he was expected to play third base at Norfolk.

Johnson signed a three-year, $23.5 million extension with the Braves in May 2014. He was traded two years later to the Indians, who are on the hook for the remaining $9 million. The Orioles would have paid the league minimum of $535,000.

Sisco will be the starting catcher at Norfolk and could be ready to make his major league debut this summer, his improved defense perhaps adjusting his timetable.