The Orioles have agreed to terms with right-hander Steve Johnson on a minor league deal, according to an industry source, keeping the Baltimore-area product in the organization.
Johnson will receive a major league spring training invitation.
The St. Paul's School alumnus -- and son of former Orioles pitcher Dave Johnson -- went through an injury-riddled season 2014 that ended with surgery to remove a bone spur from the back of his right shoulder.
Johnson, who began the season pitching for Triple-A Norfolk, was shut down in mid-May for three weeks because of recurring shoulder discomfort. He made four rehabilitation appearances in July before rejoining Norfolk at the end of the month.
In 13 appearances with Norfolk last season, he was 0-2 with a 7.11 ERA. The Orioles outrighted him in late October but hoped to re-sign him to to a minor league deal as he rehabbed from surgery.
Johnson has resumed throwing and is expected to go into spring training with no restrictions.
Even though the 27-year-old Johnson is coming off injury, he's a known commodity who can pitch as a starter and in relief. He went 4-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 2012, winning his first three big league starts.
MASNSports.com first reported Johnson agreeing to terms.
eencina@baltsun.com
twitter.com/EddieInTheYard