March 16--PEORIA, Ariz. -- Pierce Johnson, one of the Chicago Cubs' top pitching prospects, was one of of the first cuts announced Monday.
But Johnson's reassignment to minor league camp was merely for him to get more innings in preparation for the regular season with the possibility of getting promoted later if he shows improvement.
"I like his delivery," manager Joe Maddon said."I like his stuff. he's a very intense kid in certain ways. He's got an intensity about him. He's very driven, very directed -- all those kind of good things.
"He's getting ready for the season and getting his innings in. Everyone here believes he's a major league pitcher, and now he's got to get the time under his belt."
Johnson, 23, didn't allow a run in four innings covering two appearances this spring. He was 5-4 with a 2.55 ERA in 18 games for Double-A Tennessee last season.
Reliver Armando Rivero, who struck out 100 in 65 innings at Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa, also was assigned to minor league camp.
Infielder Christian Villanueva and catcher Rafael Lopez were optioned to Iowa. Pitchers Corey Black, Donn Roach and Hunter Cervenka and infielder Logan Watkins also were assigned to minor league camp.
The Cubs' spring roster stands at 53.
