Johnson is in the mix to start Sunday at Houston in place of Joe Kelly (shoulder), Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports.
Henry Owens in the likely candidate to make the start for Kelly, with Roenis Elias and Johnson also in the discussion. Kelly could only make it through four batters on Tuesday, and was placed on the DL after the game. Johnson is the probable Triple-A Pawtucket starter for Thursday's game at Rochester. He pitched 5.1 innings Saturday, giving up two earned runs while collecting the win. Johnson has only made one career start in the majors, giving up four earned runs in 4.1 innings against the Astros last July.