 Primarily used as a back-up catcher in the beginning on the season, Johnson later became the a starter due to his good rapport with the Mariners' pitching staff and an early season injury to primary catcher Kenji Johjima.When Johjima was activated from the disabled list Johnson again became the back-up catcher.However, Johjima again went on the disabled list in late-May and Johnson became the primary catcher again.