Marlins pick up former Greensboro Bat in exchange for former Greensboro Grasshopper

MIAMI — Some last-minute scrambling landed Nick Johnson(Greensboro Bats 1997) with the Florida Marlins on Friday for Minor League pitcher Aaron Thompson(Greensboro Grasshoppers 2006).

The deal was consummated shortly before Friday’s 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline.

Johnson, 30, provides a middle-of-the-lineup caliber left-handed bat. In 98 games for the Nationals, Johnson hit .295 with six home runs, 44 RBIs and a .408 on-base percentage.

A slick fielder, Johnson will step in at first base, allowing Jorge Cantu to move across the diamond to third base.

Thompson, a first-round pick in 2005, had been at Double-A Jacksonville.