Orioles sign Chris Johnson

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

February 13, 2017, 3:12am

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SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles made another move to improve their infield depth, signing Chris Johnson to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. The announcement came this morning.

Johnson, 32, is the son of Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson.

The Tides infield is taking shape with Johnson likely to start at third base, Robert Andino at shortstop and Johnny Giavotella at second base. David Washington could play first base if Trey Mancini breaks camp with the Orioles.

Johnson is a career .275/.313/.404 hitter in eight major league seasons with the Astros, Diamondbacks, Braves, Indians and Marlins. He appeared in 113 games with Miami last summer and hit .222/.281/.329.

Johnson's best season came in 2013 with the Braves. He hit .321/.358/.457 with a career-high 34 doubles, 12 home runs and 68 RBIs in 142 games.

The Braves signed Johnson to a three-year, $23.5 million extension in May 2014.

Though he's primarily a third baseman, Johnson also has played first base in the majors and five innings in the outfield.

The Orioles need extra infielders with Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop leaving camp for the World Baseball Classic. Johnson can replace Machado at third base.

Note: Former Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz has signed a minor league deal with the Diamondbacks.