Steve Johnson (lat) threw four innings in extended spring training on Thursday and will now begin a minor league rehab assignment.

Johnson threw a total of 70 pitches. It's not clear which affiliate he'll report to, but he should be fully stretched out within a couple of starts. The Orioles could option him to Triple-A Norfolk once he's back to full health.

Steve Johnson (lat) could begin a rehab assignment following a four-inning appearance in extended spring training Thursday.

The right-hander has been on the disabled list since March 31 with a strained lat but has obviously made significant progress. Johnson should be ready by late April or early May but might be optioned to Triple-A once healthy.

Steve Johnson (lat) will make a start in an extended spring training game on Saturday.

If it goes well, he could be cleared to begin a minor league rehab assignment. The right-hander has been on the disabled list since March 31 with a strained lat. He's on track to return in late April or early May.

Steve Johnson (lat) played long toss on Wednesday.

It was a step in the right direction for Johnson, who was placed on the disabled list March 31 with a strained lat muscle. He will probably be optioned to Triple-A Norfolk once he is cleared to pitch in live games.

Orioles placed RHP Steve Johnson on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 23, with a strained lat.

It's not clear at this point how long he'll be sidelined. Johnson could be optioned to Triple-A once he's healthy.

Steve Johnson (lat) will begin the season on the disabled list.

It's not a big surprise, as Johnson hasn't pitched in a week due to a sore lat muscle. The Orioles have the ability to backdate him to March 22, but it's not clear when he'll be ready to return.

Steve Johnson is currently shut down with a sore lat muscle.

Johnson hasn't thrown since his start on Friday. The hope is that rest will do the job, but he appears likely to begin the season on the disabled list.

Steve Johnson may miss his scheduled start Thursday due to lower back discomfort.

There should be an update in the next 24 hours. Chris Tillman (abdominal) is a possibility to begin the season on the disabled list, so the Orioles could be face with some interesting decisions for their rotation if Johnson can't pitch.

Steve Johnson gave up three runs in four innings Friday in his start against the Rays.

It's not the kind of effort Johnson needed to keep pace with Jake Arrieta after Arrieta's terrific outing last night. Arrieta is probably going to be the Orioles' No. 5 starter.

Steve Johnson tossed four scoreless innings Sunday against the Twins.

Johnson was a nice surprise for the Orioles last year, but he entered camp seemingly behind guys like Jake Arrieta, Zach Britton, Brian Matusz and perhaps even Jair Jurrjens in line for the last spot in Baltimore's rotation. Nothing has been ruled out yet, but it'd probably make more sense to go with one of the higher-upside guys initially and keep Johnson available as a swingman. They'll all likely get chances eventually.

According to the Baltimore Sun, Steve Johnson is a candidate for the Orioles' starting rotation.

Johnson was used as a starter and reliever last season, but manager Buck Showalter confirmed he'll compete for a rotation spot in spring training. He'll join a group of candidates that includes Jake Arrieta, Zach Britton, and Brian Matusz. The Orioles have also expressed interest in re-signing Joe Saunders and trading for Rick Porcello.

The Orioles' roster for Friday's Wild Card game against the Rangers includes 11 pitchers and 14 position players.

Wei-Yin Chen, Miguel Gonzalez and Chris Tillman are not on the roster, but Steve Johnson is. Orioles manager Buck Showalter was considering him for the start, so he could be an alternative if Joe Saunders gets into some early trouble.

Steve Johnson (knee) threw a light bullpen session on Wednesday afternoon without incident.

Johnson made 10-15 throws without experiencing any discomfort in his troublesome left knee. He told reporters that he should be ready to pitch in the postseason.

An MRI of Steve Johnson's left knee revealed no structural damage.

Johnson won't return for the Orioles' final three games. His health will likely determine if he's added to the postseason roster.

Steve Johnson will undergo an MRI on his left knee Monday.

Even if the exam comes back clean, Johnson seems unlikely to be used during the final three games. He's pitched well enough to make the postseason roster, but it could depend on his health.

Steve Johnson is dealing with a left knee injury.

Johnson hurt himself when he twisted his knee while being hit by a comebacker in Saturday's start. It doesn't sound like a big concern at this point. "They made me aware of it," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said of team's trainers. "We will wait 'til we gather. [Head athletic trainer Richie Bancells] has multiple people, and we'll have that conversation after we get done here. When he gathers all the information. I'm not sure I would be that forthcoming with all that information."

Steve Johnson pitched decently in a spot start against the Red Sox on Saturday, allowing three runs on only four hits over five-plus innings in a no-decision.

Johnson issued three walks and struck out three. He cruised through the first four innings unscathed before Jarrod Saltalamacchia launched a two-run homer in the fifth. Cody Ross then added a sacrifice fly in the sixth. Johnson has pitched well in limited opportunities this season, compiling a 4-0 record, 2.11 ERA and 46/18 K/BB ratio over 38 1/3 innings.

Steve Johnson shut out the Blue Jays for five innings Monday to move to 4-0 for the Orioles.

OK, so he was facing a lineup with Adam Lind batting fourth and Rajai Davis hitting fifth. It was still another nice outing for Johnson, who has struck out 22 batters in 17 innings while winning all three of his starts this season. He has a 1.62 ERA in 11 appearances overall.

Steve Johnson will start one of the games of Monday's doubleheader against the Blue Jays.

Wei-Yin Chen will get the ball in the other game, with Joe Saunders drawing the start Tuesday and Miguel Gonzalez Wednesday. Johnson has been terrific in long relief and in a couple spot starts this year for the O's, posting a 1.91 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with 37 strikeouts over 28 1/3 innings.

Steve Johnson will start Saturday against the Blue Jays.

That was the assumption already, but it's now official. Johnson has a 3.27 ERA and 16/4 K/BB ratio over 11 innings with the Orioles this season. However, he can't be trusted outside of deeper AL-only leagues.