Nieves, Johnson different paths to Kernels

The Angels promoted Josh Davies to Rancho Cucamonga of the California League, sending infielder Abel Nieves down to Cedar Rapids from Rancho Cucamonga and outfielder Tyler Johnson joins the Kernels from extended spring training.

Tyler Johnson was drafted by the Angels in the 15th round of the 2004 free agent draft out of Haskell (OK) HS. He played 11 games in Cedar Rapids in 2006 and posted a .257 BA with 8 HR and 36 RBI with Orem of the Pioneer League.

Abel Nieves was drafted by the Angels in the 50th round of the 2004 free agent draft and is a native of Maracay, VZ. He played at Middle Georgia Community College in Cochran, GA and played the majority of his games at Orem last year with a .259 average with one HR and 29 RBI. In 19 games this year at Rancho, he has a .143 average (8-56) with five RBI.

In 15 games for the Kernels, Josh Davies was batting .212 (11-52) with one RBI in his second tour with the Kernels. He joined the Kernels back on April 16 from extended spring training.

Both Johnson and Nieves will arrive in Cedar Rapids in time for tonight’s 5 pm game with Fort Wayne.

Today’s roster moves place the Kernels at 25 active players, the maximum allowed by the Midwest League.