Red Sox release former first-rounder Kris Johnson

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The Red Sox officially parted ways with left-hander Kris Johnson, the 40th overall selection in the 2006 MLB Draft class, on Tuesday.

Johnson made a name for himself at Wichita State, but his transition into AAA Pawtucket three years later was not a good one.

In 2009, Johnson went 3-13 in 22 starts. He posted a 6.35 ERA in 96.1 innings of work, giving up 128 hits, walking 44, and striking out just 65 batters.

In 2010 he wasn't much better. He ended up 6-13 with a 4.88 ERA in 28 games (132.2 innings). He gave up 152 hits -- 15 of which were home runs -- and walked 52 batters.

Still, the Sox kept Johnson around, hoping he could show signs of improvement this season.

That didn't happen.

Johnson played in eight games, three of which were starts -- all of which went poorly. His first start of the season lasted just 2.1 innings, as he gave up seven runs (six earned), eight hits, and a walk. He followed that game up with a five-inning win, giving up two runs on four hits and a walk.

Johnson was then relegated to a reliever role for five games before returning for this third start of the season.

It ended even worse than his first start did.

Johnson went just 2.0 innings giving up seven earned runs on eight hits, two of which were home runs.

It would be the last game Johnson played wearing a PawSox uniform, leaving with a 12.63 ERA and a 2-2 record.

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