Padres Reach One-year Deal with Right Hander Josh Johnson

Right-handed pitcher Josh Johnson was traded to the San Diego Padres from the Toronto Blue Jays in a one year, $8 million dollar deal. With the completion of 26 starts in 2014, Johnson’s deal includes an additional $1.25 million dollars in performance bonuses. If he makes fewer than seven starts the Padres will have the option of bringing him back for $4 million in 2015.

A two-time all star with the Florida Marlins, last year, Johnson only had a 2-8 record with a 6.20 ERA over a span of 16 starts with the Blue Jays. Johnson’s season with the Blue Jays was cut short due to tendinitis in his right knee and just last month, had bone spurs removed from his right elbow. Johnson was in San Diego, for a physical exam as the club plans to announce the acquisition during a press release.

Johnson is expected to be ready for the start of Spring Training in February 2014. Padres are taking a huge risk as Johnson has only thrown over 200 innings only once in his career, throwing 209 innings in 2009. He has been on the injured disabled list six times in his career.