Orioles re-sign Chris Johnson, plus Roger McDowell on pitchers

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - The Orioles re-signed infielder Chris Johnson this morning and assigned him to Triple-A Norfolk. The move comes two days after he was released.

Johnson will play for his father, Tides manager Ron Johnson, now that he's agreed to a restructured deal. He's primarily a third baseman but also can move across the infield.

Johnson batted .269 (18-for-67) with six doubles, three home runs, 11 RBIs and 17 strikeouts in 24 games this spring.

Orioles pitching coach Roger McDowell stopped by the media workroom this morning and fielded questions for about eight minutes. Here's a sampling:

On the pitching staff: "I've been impressed with everybody, really. I know that's kind of cliché. Not to single anyone out. I've been really impressed with everybody, just from the standpoint of what they bring to the table, their work ethic, their professionalism, their respect for the game. It's just been total respect."

On candidates for fifth starter: "It still hasn't been decided. There are guys who are still in the mix for that fifth starter's role and so that being said, we'll continue to look at the progress and see where we're at when we need that fifth starter. Buck (Showalter) will make that call."

On fifth starter depth: "I think the ones you're eluding to are the (Jayson) Aquinos and (Mike) Wrights and Tyler Wilson and (Gabriel) Ynoa and Chris Lee. From a depth standpoint, understanding also where they are in their development and where some improvements need to be made as far as certain pitches need to improve in order to pitch at the major league level. But from a competitive standpoint and a physical standpoint, it's very impressive. So having that depth is always going to be a good thing."

On watching Zach Britton pitch: "It's a lot of fun. When you get to see that 95-96 mph sinker. Zach is never content with where he's at and he always wants to improve, and one of the things he wanted to work on a little bit was his breaking ball, so maybe put that into the repertoire a little bit more. Obviously, when you have a weapon like his sinker, it's tough to go sometimes to other pitches, but it's that learning process of going forward and figuring out what you have. But I think he's going to be OK. Yeah."

On whether Wade Miley needs a certain amount of innings here after building to 13: "Obviously, yeah, you'd like to get the innings up a little bit, but both him and (Ubaldo) Jiménez had one start prior to everybody else, before (Kevin) Gausman and (Dylan) Bundy jumped in there. He missed that start (in Fort Myers) and it was basically two weeks of non-game competition, but he's been through some spring trainings and he has an understanding of what he needs to do as far as the preparation involved for a major league season, and we'll get there."

On whether it hurts not seeing Chris Tillman pitch: "I think the guy that is hurting is Tilly. I don't mean that in a literal sense, but just from the standpoint that he's not able to go out there and do something that he loves to do. We're going to take this process and be careful with it and move forward at the pace that his health allows. And so that being said, that's the guy that goes out and competes. As far as me seeing him, hopefully I'll see a lot of him. But I know he wants to be out there as soon as possible."

On what he's seen from Jiménez and a delivery that's got lots of moving parts: "Obviously, Ubaldo's delivery is what it is. My understanding of it is hopefully, with a conversation with him, one of the guys we lean on heavily is Ramon Martinez with him, his relationship. They have a really, really good relationship and fortunately I get to be a part of it. From a mechanics standpoint, there are some moving parts, but he just seems to have a way for those moving parts to kind of click together. He's gotten his innings up, from what I understand, from last year and the pitches are where he needs them to be, so hopefully he'll have a successful season."

On how job is easier with back end of bullpen settled: "I think it does on any staff, when you have that veteran leadership, whether it's starters and relievers or relievers. Usually for a starting staff, you like to have that older guy. There are a couple here. From the bullpen, there's a couple down there. When you have those guys, it makes it easier. I don't want to say 'policing themselves,' but holding each other to a standard for pitching in games and the competing part, but also the respect and professionalism that goes into it."

According to Baseball America's transactions page, the Orioles released the following minor leaguers: pitchers Chris Jones, Dane de la Rosa, Trevor Belicek, Will Dennis, Lex Rutledge and Will Shepley, and outfielder Jamill Moquete.

For the Rays
Peter Bourjos CF
Derek Norris DH
Evan Longoria 3B
Corey Dickerson LF
Rickie Weeks Jr. 1B
Steven Souza Jr. RF
Tim Beckham SS
Nick Franklin 2B
Jesús Sucre C

Erasmo Ramírez RHP