PITTSBURGH -- The Mets moved again to patch a roster gutted by injuries, acquiring infielder Kelly Johnson from the Braves on Wednesday for pitching prospect Akeel Morris and cash. Johnson, whom the Mets first traded for last season, is capable of playing up to six different positions.
The move is a replay from last summer, when the Mets acquired Johnson and Juan Uribe in mid-July with David Wright on the disabled list. Wright is again on the DL this year, likely until August, while first baseman Lucas Duda is out until around the All-Star break. Johnson departed New York via free agency after the World Series, re-signing with his hometown Braves.
With their depth lacking, the Mets made a move to replace Duda earlier this month, acquiring first baseman James Loney from the Padres. Now they have reacquired Johnson, who was hitting .215/.273/.289 in Atlanta. He has 146 home runs over an 11-year career that, since the start of the 2010 season, has wound through Arizona, Toronto, Tampa Bay, the Bronx, Boston, Baltimore, Atlanta and Flushing.
Back in New York, Johnson figures to become a primary backup to Wilmer Flores at third base, Neil Walker at second and Loney at first, at least until Duda returns from the DL. The team is also without starting catcher Travis d'Arnaud for at least another one to two weeks.
The move is reminiscent to what the Mets accomplished last year, providing a measure of depth across the board. This time, however, the Mets acted quickly, acquiring Loney almost immediately after Duda hit the DL, and Johnson not long after. The Mets are in the middle of their worst offensive stretch of the season, averaging 2.7 runs per game over their last 10, and ranking last in the Majors in total offense since the start of May.
Morris, 23, made a single appearance for the Mets last season, giving up five runs in 2/3 of an inning. The Mets' 16th-ranked prospect, he was 2-2 with a 4.65 ERA in 22 relief appearances for Double-A Binghamton this season.
Anthony DiComo has covered the Mets for MLB.com since 2008. Follow him on Twitter @AnthonyDiComo and Facebook, and listen to his podcast. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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