Dan Johnson designated

Dan Johnson designated

From Chronicle Staff Writer Susan Slusser in Toronto

Quick note: Dan Johnson's agent, Bobby Barad, tells me that the A's have just informed the first baseman that he has been designated for assignment. That means they have 10 days to put Johnson on waivers, trade him or release him.

The latter two are unlikely, and Johnson would have to clear waivers to be sent down. That's a process that takes three business days, but the A's do not have to run him through until next week if they choose. Perhaps they'll wait to see if another club has an injury and approaches them about a deal; the A's never have wanted to lose Johnson for nothing.

If he's put on waivers, there's a good chance Johnson would get claimed. Several teams could use a first baseman (including the Giants) or a backup at that spot, and some scouts think Johnson could be a good left-handed bat off the bench in the NL.

The A's needed to make a move on both the 25-man roster and the 40-man roster in order to call Greg Smith up for tonight's start. Designating Johnson takes care of both of those requirements.