Steve Johnson Demoted After Solid Two Innings In Loss
Steve Johnson was sent back to Triple-A Norfolk Sunday after he made his major league debut against the Tigers. Johnson worked the eighth and ninth innings, allowing one hit, a ninth-inning homer to Miguel Cabrera, during a 4-0 loss. Johnson walked two and struck out two as the Orioles dropped two of three to Detroit.
Orioles starter Miguel Gonzalez took the loss, going 5.2 innings, allowing three runs and six hits.
The Orioles managed just three hits in eight innings against Detroit's Justin Verlander, who gave way to Jose Valverde in the ninth.
Johnson, who attended St. Paul's School, is the son of former Oriole pitcher Dave Johnson. This is the second time this season the Orioles have called him up and demoted him. Zach Britton will get his first MLB start of the year Tuesday. Britton spent most of the first half of the season in Triple-A after battling shoulder injuries during spring training.
Posted July 15, 2012
