Norfolk roster moves (Jim Johnson to the DL)

Reliever Jim Johnson has been placed on Triple-A Norfolk's disabled list due to right elbow inflammation. The move took place before last night's game. Pitcher Alberto Castillo, who was optioned to Triple-A from Baltimore, took Johnson's roster spot. Johnson was 1-1. 6.52 in ten games with the Orioles and had allowed 15 hits in 9 2/3 before being sent to Norfolk. He pitched one scoreless inning for the Tides, on May 4 vs. Scranton. That was his only Norfolk appearance before the DL move. Today, Norfolk has activated off the DL pitcher Dennis Sarfate and catcher Michel Hernandez. Hernandez has yet to play a game this year after suffering a fractured right index finger during spring training, while Sarfate tossed three scoreless innings in two games for the Tides before he was placed on the disabled list with a strained oblique muscle on April 14. To make room for Hernandez and Sarfate on the Tides roster, pitcher Jim Miller and catcher Steve Lerud were assigned to the Class-A Aberdeen roster. Meanwhile, pitcher Brandon Erbe continues to struggle at Triple-A. Tonight, he has allowed five runs and six hits, including two homers, in the first three innings vs. Toledo. Josh Bell, who is 9 for 19 during a five-game batting streak, is hitting .328-6-15 over his last 17 games. Corey Patterson is 13 for 30 during a seven-game hit streak coming into tonight's game.