Braves trade Johnson to Indians for Bourn, Swisher
Expecting to be dealt before the MLB trade deadline, Chris Johnson got his wish a week late.
The Braves shipped the third baseman to the Indians on Friday in exchange for outfielders Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher.
"We feel like Michael Bourn fits us better than Chris Johnson right now," Braves president of baseball operations John Hart told reporters Friday.
Acquired as part of the Justin Upton deal, Johnson had a breakout first season with the Braves in 2013. He finished second in the National League with a .361 batting average and his .394 BABIP set a franchise record.
Rewarded with a three-year, $23.5 million extension, Johnson took a step back in 2014, hitting .263/.292/361 and he struck out a career-high 159 times. This season he's hitting .235 in 153 at-bats.
Johnson's playing time at third was limited after the Braves acquired -- and ultimately dealt -- Juan Uribe and has mainly played at first base of late with Freddie Freeman's disabled list stints. He's been at first for 20 games, three fewer than his time at third this season.
Johnson figured to see even less opportunities at third with the acquision of Hector Olivera from the Dodgers. While the Braves wait for his return from the disabled list they'll use Adonis Garcia, who has hit four home runs since his July 25 call up.
Bourn, 32, was with the Braves from 2011-12, making his second career All-Star appearance his final season. In 289 at-bats this year he's hit .246/.313/.294 with 13 stolen bases. He's been caught five times.
"We got back a guy that we really love here: Michael Bourn," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez told reporters. "I think we add a great personality in the clubhouse in Swisher. I talked to him this afternoon; he was excited to get going. He's a guy that could help us fill the void along with (Joey) Terdoslavich at first base with (Freddie) Freeman being out for a couple of weeks.
"But I'm excited to see Michael Bourn, I really am. He's one of my favorite all-time players."
The 34-year-old Swisher opened the year on the 15-day disabled list in recovering from arthroscopic surgery on both knees in '14. He made his season debut May 5, but went back to the DL on June 13, this time with knee inflammation.
He was rehabbing with the Indians' Triple-A affiliate in Columbus.
In addition to the trade, the Braves have also recalled Todd Cunningham from Triple-A and he will be available for Friday night's game against the Marlins.
