Reed Johnson Stays With Braves On 1-Year Deal

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Reed Johnson, the top pinch hitter in the National League last season, rejoined the Atlanta Braves on Thursday with a one-year contract that includes a club option for 2014.

The deal was announced two days before Johnson turned 36.

Atlanta acquired Johnson and pitcher Paul Maholm from the Chicago Cubs on July 30. Johnson hit a combined .290 with three home runs and 20 RBIs last season. He batted .419 (18 for 43) as a pinch hitter.

Johnson is a career .284 hitter with 62 home runs for Toronto, the Cubs, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta since making his major league debut in 2003.