ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) – The Tampa Bay Devil Rays addressed their need for a backup catcher, signing Charles Johnson to a one-year contract before Monday’s season opener against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The 33-year-old, four-time Gold Glove winner hit .236 with 13 homers and 47 RBIs in 109 games for Colorado in 2004, but did not fit into the Rockies’ plans for this season.

He was traded to Boston last week as part of a deal that sent reliever Byung-Hyun Kim to the Rockies, however the Red Sox immediately designated Johnson for assignment and released him.

Tampa Bay had discussions with Colorado about a possible trade for Johnson during the offseason and jumped at the opportunity to finally get him.

“Charles has got a ton of experience,” Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella said, adding that he thinks the addition of Johnson will help Tampa Bay’s young pitchers. “There’s no substitute for experience, especially behind the plate.”

Johnson had a $10 million salary, including a $1 million escalator clause triggered by the trade, but the Devil Rays will pay the minimum $316,000. The Rockies and Red Sox pay the remainder.