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.