Johnson Builds On Spring

BALTIMORE, April 17 -- Baltimore Orioles right-handed reliever Jim Johnson has continued the momentum he gained during his impressive spring training, throwing 5 1/3 scoreless innings in three appearances since being recalled from Class AAA Norfolk last Friday.

"When you're playing with confidence, it always helps you," Johnson said. "I don't think I'll be pitching like this all year. Obviously it would be nice, but there's going to be some bumps in the road. But I can go back and look at some positives."

Johnson appeared in one game each with the Orioles during the 2006 and 2007 seasons. When Johnson arrived in spring training, he considered himself a long shot to make the major league roster.

But Johnson, 24, caught the attention of the coaching staff. By the time camp broke, he was assured that he would be among the first called up if the need arose for another pitcher. When Orioles Manager Dave Trembley decided to add a 13th pitcher to the roster, to help alleviate pressure from the bullpen, Johnson got the call.

"I thought his delivery needed some work, I thought his fastball was straight last year and I thought his command was spotty," Trembley said. "All three of those things have made a dramatic and drastic improvement."

In the Pinch

Orioles outfielder Jay Payton's single during the eighth inning of Wednesday's 3-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox was the team's first pinch hit of the season. Before Payton's single, Orioles pinch hitters went 0 for 9 to start the year. . . .

Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis moved into a tie for the American League lead with three outfield assists after throwing Jim Thome out at third base on Wednesday. Markakis joined Los Angeles Angels outfielder Vladimir Guerrero atop the league. . . .

Before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch on Thursday, country music star Kenny Chesney wore a No. 7 Orioles jersey while taking batting practice with the Orioles as a guest of first baseman Kevin Millar.