Giants' Pierce Johnson: Sent to minors

Johnson was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

The Giants needed a roster spot with Brandon Belt (knee) returning from the disabled list, and Johnson was the one banished back to the River Cats. The right-hander has a 5.72 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 39.1 innings for the Giants this season.