Steve Johnson (oblique) will throw two innings in an extended spring training game in Sarasota on Saturday.

If all goes well with that outing, Johnson would progress to a minor league rehab start with Class-A Aberdeen. He's hoping to return to the Orioles before the end of July.

Steve Johnson (oblique) is scheduled to throw live batting practice this Thursday.

If it goes well, he could be cleared for a minor league rehab assignment. Johnson has been on the disabled list since June 6 because of a badly-strained oblique. The current timetable calls for a late-July return.

Steve Johnson (oblique) threw 35 pitches off the mound MOnday.

It was his second bullpen session since landing on the disabled list with a strained left oblique early last month. It's not clear what the next step will be, but he won't be an option for the Orioles again until after the All-Star break.

Steve Johnson (oblique) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Saturday.

It was his first time throwing off a mound since being placed on the disabled list. Johnson is scheduled for another bullpen session on Monday before being reevaluated. There's no timetable for when he'll be sent on a rehab assignment.

Steve Johnson (oblique) moved his flat-ground throwing from 75 feet to 90 feet Wednesday.

Johnson is coming along slower than expected, but he's progressing slowly but surely. There's no timetable for when he'll throw from a mound.

Steve Johnson (oblique) has been recovering slower than expected.

Johnson has been out for nearly three weeks but is still only playing catch. There's no timetable for his return. "[He's] trying to get in shape," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "It's been tough. He's battling some things. He's gotten progressively better, but it's a little slower than I hoped. It's been a challenge for him, conditioning, all year because of some of the things that have kept him from it. So I hope he's using that time. We'll see if he is using it."

Steve Johnson (oblique) made 25 throws from a distance of 60 feet on Saturday.

Johnson has been shut down the last two weeks, so it's a step in the right direction. Assuming he avoids setbacks, he could rejoin the Orioles in the early part of July.

Steve Johnson (oblique) will begin playing catch Saturday.

It will be his first time throwing since he was shut down with a strained left oblique two weeks ago. Johnson figures to need a few days to get back on a mound and will likely require a rehab assignment, so a return in the early part of July appears realistic.

Orioles placed RHP Steve Johnson on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique.

Johnson will need at least three weeks of recovery time. He suffered the injury Wednesday night during a relief appearance against the Astros and will leave behind an 8.49 ERA. The Orioles have recalled outfielder Xavier Avery to fill the vacant roster spot.

Steve Johnson will be placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique.

Johnson suffered the injury during a relief appearance Wednesday against the Astros. The 25-year-old righty has posted a brutal 8.49 ERA in 11 2/3 innings this season.

Steve Johnson left Wednesday's game with left oblique soreness.

Johnson actually first felt it warming up before his relief appearance, but he went ahead and pitched and allowed three runs over 2 1/3 frames. He'll be re-evaluated on Thursday.

Orioles recalled RHP Steve Johnson from Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles need an extra reliever on Saturday, so Johnson will provide bullpen depth. The 25-year-old gave up six runs in four innings in a spot start against the Twins earlier this month.

Steve Johnson has been scratched from Friday's start with Triple-A Norfolk.

Johnson is healthy, but the Orioles want him available in case they need to add him as a reliever on Saturday. The 25-year-old gave up six runs in four innings in a spot start with the big club earlier this month.

Orioles optioned RHP Steve Johnson to Triple-A Norfolk.

Johnson was called up to start against the Twins on Saturday, but is heading right back to Triple-A after allowing six runs in four innings. He'll continue to serve as organizational depth at the minor league level.

Steve Johnson yielded six earned runs in four innings Saturday as the Orioles fell to the Twins.

Johnson walked four and coughed up seven hits in his first major league appearance of the season. He is only expected to serve as the Orioles' fifth starter for a short time and can be ignored in all fantasy formats.

Orioles recalled RHP Steve Johnson from Triple-A Norfolk.

With Miguel Gonzalez on the disabled list, Johnson will serve as the Orioles' fifth starter. He could be worth a look as a streaming option in AL-only formats.

The Orioles will recall Steve Johnson to start Saturday against the Twins.

The O's need a starter with Miguel Gonzalez (blister) going on the disabled list. Johnson got off to a late start this season due to a lat strain and has posted a 4.41 ERA and 19/4 K/BB ratio over 16 1/3 innings at Triple-A Norfolk. He should get at least a couple starts and isn't a bad AL-only play.

Orioles activated RHP Steve Johnson from the 15-day disabled list, optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk.

Johnson is over his lat strain, but he'll operate in the Norfolk rotation for a while before the Orioles consider him for a call-up. Freddy Garcia is likely to be the No. 5 starter for now.

Steve Johnson (lat) gave up five runs over four innings Wednesday in a minor league rehab start with Triple-A Norfolk.

Johnson, currently working his way back from a lat strain, gave up six hits and a walk while notching three strikeouts. He could remain with Norfolk once he's back to full health.

Steve Johnson (lat) threw a side session on Saturday and is on track to pitch Wednesday for Triple-A Norfolk.

Johnson is working his way back from a lat injury sustained in spring training, and he seems to be getting closer to returning. Johnson posted a promising 2.11 ERA in 38 1/3 innings with the Orioles in 2012.