Johnson signed a minor league deal with the Rays on Saturday as a knuckleball pitcher, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
The veteran Johnson spent his entire major league career as a first baseman and designated hitter, but after logging a mere 15 big league at-bats with the Cardinals last season, he will try to make the transition to pitcher. According to Topkin's report, Johnson is in the Rays' minor league camp, but needs to pass his physical before his deal is made official.