Steve

Johnson

Johnson, 31, posted a 4.26 ERA and 86/47 K/BB ratio over 76 innings across parts of four seasons in the majors, with his last big league appearance coming in June of 2016. He pitched for Lancaster of the independent Atlantic League last season.

He replaces Brian Matusz on the 25-man roster. Johnson has posted a 2.73 ERA in 14 games (nine starts) at Triple-A. He was added to the 40-man roster in early-June because Baltimore was concerned that he would opt out of his contract. He’ll function as a low-leverage reliever for the O’s. Chris Tillman and Zach Britton remain the strongest possibilities to take Matusz’s spot in the rotation Friday. Because of that, Johnson’s stay in the bigs could be short.

Johnson fanned an impressive nine batters, and issued only two walks. Coming into this evening, his lone MLB appearance was a two-inning relief outing on July 15. A nice night, for sure, but the journeyman’s minor-league numbers offer up little reason to be excited about his long-term MLB prospects. Johnson will get the Red Sox at home on Tuesday.

Johnson will make his first major league start Wednesday against the Mariners. The 24-year-old has a solid 2.86 ERA and 86/31 K/BB ratio over 91 1/3 innings this year at the Triple-A level, but he can’t be trusted in fantasy leagues.

He was cleared to make room for Manny Machado on the active roster. Johnson was excellent in his first major league start Wednesday, holding the Mariners to two runs over six innings while striking out nine and walking a pair. He should get another shot soon.

Johnson was optioned to the minors last week following the promotion of Manny Machado, but he was added back to the active roster this week after Troy Patton (ankle) was placed on the disabled list. The 25-year-old right-hander was impressive in his first major league start on August 8, allowing two runs over six innings against the Mariners, but we need to see more before trusting him in fantasy leagues.

Chris Tillman will pitch Tuesday, and Saunders will make his Orioles debut on Wednesday or Thursday, with Zach Britton “probably” starting the other game, according to manager Buck Showalter. That leaves Miguel Gonzalez and Steve Johnson fighting for the last spot. “Stevie’s presented himself well against Seattle and Toronto,” Showalter said. “We’ll get Miguel in there at some point, I’m sure.” Gonzalez would seem to be the likelier choice despite how well Johnson has looked in his two chances. The O’s will need to make another decision soon when Jason Hammel (knee) returns.

Johnson won’t be added to the big league roster, but he could have opted out of his contract if the O’s didn’t add him to the 40-man roster. The 24-year-old holds a 2.62 ERA and 36/13 K/BB ratio over 44 2/3 innings this season at Triple-A Norfolk.

He was sent down in order to make room for Wednesday’s starter, Chris Tillman, on the active roster. Johnson didn’t make an appearance during his brief time with the big club, but he should be back at some point later this summer.

“There’s still that potential he can pitch there,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. “He hadn’t pitched in seven days. We didn’t want to pitch anyone else. We were down to our last guy. I was trying to stay away from Steve if I could.” It’s not clear who will make the start if the O’s decide not to go with Johnson.