Given the chance to play regularly, the Florida product exceeded expectations in 2010 with a .308 average and 11 homers but he fell back the next season and found himself behind Jimmy Paredes at third base by the end of the year. He regained his form in 2012 before a deadline trade sent him to Arizona for two minor league outfielders. He is the son of former big leaguer player and coach Ron Johnson.

During parts of four seasons with the Astros, Johnson compiled a .274 average with 26 homers and 136 RBIs.

He later bounced around with the Diamondbacks, Braves, Indians and Marlins, finishing his career with a .275 average, 63 homers, 339 RBIs and a .717 OPS.