Johnson will be the Braves' closer to begin the season, The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports. "JJ's in great shape," manager Brian Snitker said Friday. "Hopefully he's throwing the ball like he did when the season ended. Look at it right now, I don't know why (Johnson wouldn't be the closer), quite honestly. That guy was pretty good, and reliable and durable."

Mauricio Cabrera and Arodys Vizcaino (shoulder) were thought to be in the running for the ninth-inning job, but Snitker squashed the idea of a spring competition for the closer role Friday. Johnson saved 20 games for the Braves last year, and should be able to improve on that number for a young team on the upswing in 2017.