White Sox option Johnson to AAA Charlotte

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The White Sox optioned right-hander Erik Johnson to AAA Charlotte on Monday morning and reassigned right-hander Tyler Danish and infielder Steve Lombardozzi to minor league camp.

Johnson, had two rough starts in Cactus League games, allowing nine earned runs on 10 hits and three walks over six innings. The former second-round draft pick bounced back from a poor 2014 to become the International League Pitcher of the Year in 2015 and was considered a candidate to fill a spot in the 2016 starting rotation. Johnson’s chances were reduced when right-hander Mat Latos was signed late in the offseason, and he didn’t distinguish himself during spring training.

Danish, one of the Sox’ top pitching prospects, gave up two runs over six innings this spring, striking out five batters. Lombardozzi, a switch-hitter with major league experience, had a good spring, batting .400 with a homer and five RBI.

With the moves, the Sox have 40 players remaining in major-league camp: 19 pitchers, three catchers, 10 infielders and eight outfielders.