Braves bring back OF Johnson with 1-year deal

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.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Reed Johnson, the top pinch hitter in the National League last season, rejoined the Atlanta Braves on Thursday with a $1.75 million, 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.

Johnson gets a $1.6 million salary next season, and the deal includes a $1.6 million team option for 2014 with a $150,000 buyout. He can earn $150,000 in performance bonuses in 2013: $50,000 each for 90, 110 and 130 games played.