Orioles Reunite with Veteran Outfielder Daniel Johnson Amid Roster Shake-Up
In the midst of a turbulent stretch defined by injuries and a flurry of trade deadline moves, the Baltimore Orioles are reaching into familiar territory to reinforce their outfield.
On Monday, the club announced it had claimed veteran outfielder Daniel Johnson off waivers from the San Francisco Giants, bringing back a player who spent the majority of the 2024 season with their Triple-A affiliate in Norfolk. The move reunites the Orioles with a powerful left-handed bat at a time when depth is at a premium.
Johnson, 30, was added to Baltimore’s 40-man roster alongside right-handed pitcher Jose Espada, who remains with Triple-A Norfolk. In a corresponding move, the Orioles designated Houston Roth for assignment — despite Roth’s impressive 2.08 ERA in the minors this year. Though briefly called up in July, Roth never appeared in a game for Baltimore.
For Johnson, this marks the latest stop in a winding professional journey. Originally drafted by the Washington Nationals in the fifth round of the 2016 draft, Johnson has now moved through eight different organizations, logging time in four MLB seasons. His career in the majors has been modest — a .193/.238/.336 slash line over 50 games — but his power-speed combo in the minors continues to keep him on the radar.
During his 2024 stint with Triple-A Norfolk, Johnson slashed .259/.320/.448, clubbing 21 home runs, driving in 76 runs, and swiping 17 bases over 118 games. He earned a brief call-up to Baltimore that September, making one plate appearance as a pinch-hitter.
This season with the Giants, Johnson appeared in 14 big league games, going 5-for-29 with two doubles and a home run before being designated for assignment last Friday. He was hitting well for the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate, posting an .840 OPS in 48 games before being removed from the 40-man roster to make room for top prospect Drew Gilbert, who made his major league debut.
The Orioles’ decision to bring back Johnson was likely accelerated by a recent string of injuries. Outfielders Colton Cowser and Tyler O’Neill were both placed on the injured list the same day Johnson was waived. Just a week earlier, Baltimore traded away Cedric Mullins, Ramón Laureano, and Ryan O’Hearn, creating a patchwork outfield rotation featuring Jeremiah Jackson, Dylan Carlson, Greg Allen, Jordyn Adams, and Ryan Noda.
Though Johnson has yet to report to the club, he may soon join that group in Baltimore — particularly if Cowser remains sidelined with concussion symptoms. Still optionable for the remainder of the season, Johnson may also return to Norfolk depending on how the roster settles.
As for Espada, the 28-year-old righty continues to impress in the minors. Signed by Baltimore in late July after being released by the San Diego Padres, he owns a 3.74 ERA across 43.1 innings this year. While he remains at Triple-A, his addition to the 40-man roster signals the Orioles’ interest in his potential as a bullpen option down the stretch.
With the playoff race heating up and their roster in flux, the Orioles are betting on familiarity, versatility, and untapped potential — hoping Daniel Johnson can provide a timely spark in a season where every move matters.
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