MINNEAPOLIS - Steve Johnson's 2013 debut with the Orioles lasted only four innings and could lead to another roster move following tonight's game.
Johnson allowed six runs and seven hits in four innings, with four walks (one intentional), three strikeouts and a wild pitch. He threw 88 pitches, 48 for strikes.
The fourth inning got away from him. The Twins sent nine batters to the plate and scored four runs to take a 6-4 lead. Brian Dozier had a two-run double, and Justin Morneau had a two-run single.
Troy Patton replaced Johnson and retired the side in order in the fifth.
Johnson gave up seven runs in four starts for the Orioles last season. He almost matched that total tonight.
Showalter indicated before the game that the Orioles might need to bring up another reliever if Johnson didn't pitch deep into tonight's game. Jason Hammel also lasted only four innings last night.
Jake Arrieta is the scheduled starter for Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday, and Jair Jurrjens on Monday. Adam Russell is 3-0 with a 3.21 ERA in nine relief appearances.
The Orioles can transfer Brian Roberts to the 60-day disabled list if they need to clear a spot on the 40-man roster, which is just more speculation at this point.
The Orioles are off Monday and Thursday next week. They can continue to tweak their rotation while Miguel Gonzalez is on the disabled list.
Manny Machado collected his third hit of the night, an RBI single in the sixth that reduced Minnesota's lead to 6-5 and knocked starter Vance Worley out of the game.
This one is far from over.
The inning began with Ryan Flaherty being hit on the right hand by a Worley pitch. He stayed in the game after being checked by head athletic trainer Richie Bancells.
Update: Ryan Doumit hit a two-run homer off Patton in the sixth inning, the ball landing in the second deck in left field. Estimated distance: 404 feet.
Twins 8, Orioles 5.
Brian Matusz has replaced Patton in the bottom of the seventh.
Update II: The Twins evened the series tonight with an 8-5 victory over the Orioles.
Pedro Strop struck out two batters, including Mauer, in a perfect eighth inning. He hasn't allowed a run in his last five appearances.
Machado went 3-for-5 with an RBI to raise his average to .323.
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