SARASOTA, FLA. — Orioles right-hander Steve Johnson rejoined his hometown team this season in part because he was comfortable with the organization. Johnson (St. Paul's) signed a minor league deal this offseason and is coming off surgery to remove a bone spur from the back of his right shoulder.
"I wouldn't say surprised," Johnson said of being back. "I knew this was a place I felt comfortable and that if no one else really blew me away, this would probably be a place I'd come back to. I like being here. I'm comfortable with everybody, all the coaches. I think what helps is that they know what I can do when I'm healthy and that's just mainly what I'm trying to be and just staying on the field."
Johnson is confident he's ready to participate in spring training after having surgery in September.
"I told them when I came down that I threw a couple bullpens at home and felt pretty good," Johnson said. "I said I'll continue with what everyone else is doing until I feel anything that says I can't. So far so good and I'm scheduled to be right on pace. … I calmed it down a little bit [in the offseason]. I usually throw a little bit more. I said mainly I'm trying to be ready for Opening Day and make sure that happens, but if everything goes well I don't see myself holding back at all. I might not have thrown as much before I got here, but I may not have needed all that. I might just be fine the way I am right now."
Johnson was 4-2 with a 2.11 ERA in 2012, winning his first three big starts. He has also proven to be successful as a reliever, but he's made just nine major league appearances (one start) since his rookie year.
"I'm going to try to make the team," he said. "If there's an opening and I'm pitching well, I know there's a possibility. If not, I'll head to Norfolk and work my way up. … I've been a starter. Hopefully continue to be a starter. If they need me to relieve, I'll relieve. I don't think it's really my call. Whatever they think is best to get back to the big leagues."
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