masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSteve Johnson tossed four innings today in an extended spring training game in Fort Myers, throwing 70 pitches and withstanding a line drive off his thigh.

The Orioles will send Johnson on a rehab assignment, with the affiliate to be determined. He’s finally getting out of Florida.

Johnson will be a starter during his assignment. No relief work, though he came out of the bullpen today.

There’s a good chance that Johnson will join Triple-A Norfolk and make a start in Charlotte. Manager Buck…Steve Johnson tossed four innings today in an extended spring training game in Fort Myers, throwing 70 pitches and withstanding a line drive off his thigh.

The Orioles will send Johnson on a rehab assignment, with the affiliate to be determined. He’s finally getting out of Florida.

Johnson will be a starter during his assignment. No relief work, though he came out of the bullpen today.

There’s a good chance that Johnson will join Triple-A Norfolk and make a start in Charlotte. Manager Buck Showalter brought up that possibility today. Sounds like a plan.

Left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada started the extended game and threw three innings and 45 pitches. He will be stretched out to four innings and 60 pitches in his next outing in Florida.

Second baseman Brian Roberts did some light jogging on an underwater treadmill at the Ed Smith Stadium complex, the most activity he’s been involved in since rupturing a tendon behind his right knee during the third game of the season.

“That’s making some improvement,” Showalter said. “Feeling a little better every day.”

Cuban outfielder Henry Urrutia is on his way to Double-A Bowie today and will officially join the Baysox’s roster on Friday. They placed Zelous Wheeler on the disabled list today, which could clear a spot for Urrutia.

Showalter indicated that Urrutia will play right and left field for Bowie, and he may also get a look in center. The Orioles don’t want him limited to one position.

The Baysox have four left-handed hitting outfielders on their roster, including Xavier Avery, who’s been playing center.

Nothing new on Wilson Betemit, who’s on the disabled list with a Grade 2/3 tear of his right PCL. The Orioles remain hopeful that he will be ready to come off the disabled list at the end of May.