Steve Johnson update and more

Pitching for the first time since going on the disabled list with a strained left oblique, Orioles right-hander Steve Johnson threw two scoreless innings this morning with the Gulf Coast League team in Sarasota. Johnson didn't allow a hit, walked one batter and struck out three. The plan calls for Johnson to continue his rehab with short-season Single-A Aberdeen, where he's expected to report on Wednesday. He's flying back to Baltimore tonight to attend his grandmother's funeral. Johnson allowed 11 runs and 13 hits in 11 2/3 innings over five appearances (one start) with the Orioles this season. He walked eight and struck out 15. The Orioles have him on a reliever's schedule for now, though he can be stretched out again if they want him to start. Johnson just sent the following tweet: "Felt good to get back in a game. Off to Bmore to be with my fam. Heaven gained one of the strongest people I've ever known. Love you Grandma" Jonathan Schoop hit his third home run today for the GCL Orioles and is batting .360 in eight games. He's on the disabled list with a stress fracture in his lower back. The Orioles won a road series opener last night for the first time since June 4 in Houston. They were 0-5 in that span. They won for the fourth time in the last five games despite being outhit in all five games (51-36 total). The Orioles are now 11-23 (.324) when scoring three runs or fewer, the only American League club with a winning percentage over .300, according to STATS. In the last 18 games since June 27, the Orioles' bullpen has posted a 1.92 ERA over 51 2/3 innings. The Orioles have been outscored 73-43 in the sixth inning this season. Tonight's starter, Miguel Gonzalez, has allowed 10 runs in the sixth, the most of any inning. Mitch Moreland is 3-for-5 against Gonzalez. Small sample size. In his 31 starts for the Orioles, Gonzalez is 16-7 with a 3.42 ERA and 22 quality starts over 194 2/3 innings. He's worked six or more innings in 25 of his 31 starts, and the Orioles are 21-10. Chris Davis is 2-for-4 with a home run against Ross Wolf. Also a small sample size. Davis is 1-for-17 with 11 strikeouts against the Rangers this season. Larger sample size.