The New York Mets optioned Butte native Rob Johnson to Triple-A Buffalo Wednesday. The move comes as the team activated catcher Kelly Shoppach.
Johnson, a 2001 Butte Central graduate, said on his Facebook page that he was heading to the disabled list with a thumb injury, though he was still listed on the Buffalo Bisons active roster Thursday night. Johnson didn’t give further details.
The Mets acquired Shoppach in a waiver-wire trade with the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday.
Johnson hit .250 with four RBIs in 17 games with the Mets this season.
He started the season in Triple-A, but was called up to the big leagues when Josh Thole went on the disabled list May 8 with a concussion. He was sent back to the Bisons when Thole was activated on June 1.
