Johnson's rights were sold to Hiroshima Carp of the Japanese Central League, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Johnson pitched just 13.1 innings in 2014 before a July demotion, but posted a respectable 10-7 record and 3.48 ERA at the Triple-A level. The 30-year-old will take his skills overseas, with his future in MLB currently uncertain.

Twins optioned LHP Kris Johnson to Triple-A Rochester.

He's clearing room for Yohan Pino, who will be recalled to start Tuesday. Johnson was decent Monday, holding the Indians to two runs over five frames, but he's put up a 4.73 ERA overall in three starts. He could get another shot later this season.

Kris Johnson was knocked around for five runs over just four innings in Friday's loss to the Rockies.

Welcome to Coors Field. Making the start in place of the injured Ricky Nolasco, Johnson allowed eight hits in the loss, including a pair of two-run homers. The 29-year-old left-hander should stick in Minnesota's rotation for now, but he's not really a fantasy option.

Twins recalled LHP Kris Johnson from Triple-A Rochester.

He'll make the start on Friday in Colorado. While it's obviously not an ideal setting to rejoin the rotation, Johnson should stick around as long as Ricky Nolasco (elbow) is on the shelf. He's put up a 2.75 ERA over 16 Triple-A start this season.

Kris Johnson will be promoted to start for the Twins on Friday.

Johnson will take the rotation spot of Ricky Nolasco, who was placed on the disabled list with a right elbow issue. Johnson held the Dodgers scoreless over 4 1/3 innings in a spot start earlier this year, but the southpaw walked six in the outing. The official move and a corresponding roster move likely won't be made until Friday.

Kris Johnson was called up from the minors on Thursday May 1.

Kris Johnson didn't allow a run in 4 1/3 innings in his 2014 debut against the Dodgers, but the Twins lost in 12 innings, giving him the no-decision.

Johnson wasn't at all sharp, but was able to wiggle his way out of danger on multiple occasions. Overall, the 29-year-old left-hander allowed four hits, walked six, and struck out five. The peripherals, of course, are concerning, but Johnson wasn't expected to do anything more than serve as a stopgap with Thursday's double-header.

The Twins will call up Kris Johnson from Triple-A Rochester to star the second game of Thursday's doubleheader versus the Dodgers.

He'll be the 26th man and will get sent back down right after the outing. However, Johnson has a chance to make a good impression with the rest of the Twins' rotation struggling. The 29-year-old left-hander has put up a 2.86 ERA over his first four starts at Triple-A.

Kris Johnson retired five of the six batters he faced in relief versus the Pirates on Friday.

Johnson looked like a deep sleeper for 2014 when the Twins acquired him from the Pirates in November. Then the Twins went and signed Ricky Nolasco, Phil Hughes and Mike Pelfrey, effectively removing Johnson from the rotation picture. He is an option in the bullpen, but he'll probably head to Triple-A.

Twins acquired LHP Kris Johnson from the Pirates in exchange for RHP Duke Welker.

Johnson struggled this year in his debut at the major league level, but the 29-year-old left-hander posted a promising 2.39 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 94/43 K/BB ratio across 135 2/3 innings at Triple-A. It's not clear whether the Twins will use him as a reliever or starter.

Kris Johnson's return to a big league mound on Sunday was a disaster, as he allowed five runs on seven hits over two innings in a loss to the Cardinals.

Recalled earlier in the day, Johnson is now 0-2 with a 7.88 ERA in eight innings over two big league starts. The left-hander registered a 2.39 ERA and 94/43 K/BB ratio over 135 2/3 innings this season at Triple-A, but he has been a different pitcher under the bright lights. Johnson is expected to slide into a long relief role.

Pirates recalled LHP Kris Johnson from Triple-A Indianapolis.

He'll get the ball on Sunday as the Pirates try to complete a sweep of the Cardinals. Johnson holds a 2.39 ERA and 94/43 K/BB ratio over 135 2/3 innings this season at Triple-A but would be risky from a fantasy perspective. He's expected to slide into a long relief role following Sunday's outing.

The Pirates will call up Kris Johnson to start Sunday against the Cardinals.

This confirms previous speculation. Johnson owns a quality 2.39 ERA and 94/43 K/BB ratio over 135 2/3 innings this season in Triple-A, but he'll have a tough matchup against St. Louis. Most fantasy owners can afford to pass on this one.

Kris Johnson could be called up to start Sunday against the Cardinals.

Johnson has been scratched from his start Friday with Triple-A Indianapolis, which is an indication that the Pirates want him ready for Sunday. The 28-year-old left-hander made one appearances with the big club earlier this month and has a 2.39 ERA and 94/43 K/BB ratio over 135 2/3 innings this season in Triple-A. He would be a risky fantasy play against the Cardinals.

Pirates optioned LHP Kris Johnson to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Johnson pitched six relief innings in Sunday's marathon loss to the D'Backs. Ryan Reid has replaced him on the roster.

Pirates recalled LHP Kris Johnson from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Johnson was recalled to help out a taxed bullpen. He's made 25 appearances, including 20 starts, with Indianapolis this year, owning a 10-4 record and 2.41 ERA in 130 2/3 innings.

Coming off a dominating performance in the Dominican Winter League, Kris Johnson has his sights set on earning a spot in the Pirates starting rotation this spring.

The 28-year-old lefty has never pitched at the major league level, but posted an eye-popping 0.91 ERA and 50/13 K/BB ratio over 59 1/3 innings for Dominican League champion Escogido. While a longshot to win a spot in the rotation outright, he could make the big league roster as a swing-man given his versatility.

Pirates re-signed LHP Kris Johnson to a minor league contract.

Johnson, 28, posted a 4.53 ERA in 20 appearances (four starts) for the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate. The deal includes an invite to spring training.

Pirates signed LHP Kris Johnson to a minor league contract.

Johnson was drafted in the supplemental first round of the 2006 MLB Amateur Draft but had almost no success at any level of the Red Sox organization. The left-hander has a 5.10 career minor league ERA. He's only 26 years old, so the Bucs will give him a shot to turn things around on the farm.

Red Sox released LHP Kris Johnson.

Johnson was drafted in the supplemental first round of the 2006 MLB Amateur Draft but had almost no success at any level of the Red Sox organization. He's only 26 years old, so perhaps another club will come calling. The left-hander has a 5.10 career minor league ERA.