By Marc Carig
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 29, 2008

CHICAGO, April 28 -- Before Monday's game against the Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles Manager Dave Trembley named long reliever Jim Johnson the starter for Wednesday's matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays. But even with the news, the pitcher sounded a warning.

"Nothing's set in stone yet and things can change pretty quickly from day to day," Johnson said. "You really can't look too far into the future."

Sure enough, Trembley was forced to use Johnson in relief during the Orioles' bizarre 11-inning stalemate with the White Sox, making him unlikely to start Wednesday.

Trembley also didn't announce a starter to replace the injured Adam Loewen on Tuesday, though minor league left-hander Garrett Olson remains the most likely option. The Orioles would first have to make room on the 25-man roster.

"I don't know," Trembley said. "We'll have to see. I got this game today. I'll talk to my pitching coach [Rick Kranitz] and have it to you tomorrow or the next day."

Since being called up from Class AAA Norfolk on April 11, Johnson has continued the impressive work he showed at spring training, not allowing an earned run or a walk in 13 innings over six relief appearances.

Trembley said Loewen was scheduled to undergo a CT scan and an MRI exam in Baltimore on Monday before meeting with John Wilckens, the Orioles' team orthopedist. The Orioles placed Loewen on the 15-day disabled list Friday with soreness in his left elbow.