A torn ligament in his left thumb ended the baseball season for Butte native Rob Johnson.
The catcher in the New York Mets organization made the announcement on his Facebook page Wednesday. Johnson, 30, said the injury won’t require surgery, but he’ll need eight to 10 weeks rest for it to heal.
“I am home in Texas enjoying some family time until February,” Johnson said. “I want to thank everyone for their support throughout this season.”
In 17 games with the Mets, Johnson hit .250 with four doubles and four RBIs.
Johnson, who signed a one-year deal with the Mets in December, also played 45 games for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. He hit .207 with seven doubles, four home runs and one triple.
Johnson played through the injury for a while. He went on the disabled list after the Mets made a waver-wire trade with the Red Sox for catcher Kelly Shoppach on Aug. 15.
Johnson also pitched a perfect inning of relief during a lopsided Mets loss in May.
Johnson was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the fourth round of the 2004 draft. He spent parts of four seasons with the Mariners before being traded to San Diego before the 2011 season.
Johnson invited fans to ask him questions on his Facebook site.
