Cubs activate OF Johnson from DL

Jul 3, 2008 - 9:04 PM SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) -- The Chicago Cubs activated outfielder Reed Johnson from the 15-day disabled list prior to Thursday's contest against the San Francisco Giants.

The 31-year-old Johnson was placed on the DL on June 24 -retroactive to June 18 - with lower back spasms. He batted .271 with three homers and 31 RBI in 56 games for Chicago.

In a corresponding move, the Cubs optioned outfielder Eric Patterson to Class AAA Iowa of the Pacific Coast League.

Patterson, 25, batted .237 (9-for-38) with a homer and seven RBI in 13 games over three stints for Chicago.