The day after rookie right-hander Steve Johnson won his first major league start, the Orioles have optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk to make room for Manny Machado on the club's 25-man roster.
The team also transferred injured second baseman Brian Roberts to the 60-day disabled list to create a spot for Machado on the club's 40-man roster.
On Wednesday night, Johnson -- a St. Paul's grad -- earned his first big league victory, allowing two runs over six innings in a 9-2 win over the Mariners. He also struck out nine in the contest.
In two big league outings, Johnson in 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA (8 IP, 3 ER).
Sending Johnson down made sense because the Orioles will be able to use a four-man rotation because of an off day on Monday, which would be Johnson's turn in the rotation. They won't need a fifth starter until Aug. 18 in Detroit.
Johnson wouldn't be eligible to return to the Orioles until Sunday in Detriot, unless recalling him is part of a DL move.
