masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgDr. James Andrews, the world-famous orthopedist and surgeon to the stars, will examine Jim Johnson’s elbow on Thursday in Birmingham, Ala.

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail just confirmed the date in a text message.

Johnson is seeking a second opinion after team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens diagnosed the reliever with a strained ligament in his elbow.

Assuming that Andrews tells him the same, Johnson will remain shut down until he’s cleared to begin a throwing…Dr. James Andrews, the world-famous orthopedist and surgeon to the stars, will examine Jim Johnson’s elbow on Thursday in Birmingham, Ala.

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail just confirmed the date in a text message.

Johnson is seeking a second opinion after team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens diagnosed the reliever with a strained ligament in his elbow.

Assuming that Andrews tells him the same, Johnson will remain shut down until he’s cleared to begin a throwing program in Sarasota. The Orioles placed him on the Triple-A disabled list on Saturday.

The minor league DLs cover seven days, but it will be much longer before Johnson returns to the mound.