Johnson made his first start of the season for Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday, giving up a run on five hits and a walk while striking out four in four innings.
Johnson, who battled through a toe injury during training camp, was on a pitch count, getting up to 76 pitches before departing. He had a little turmoil early, allowing a first-inning run on three hits and watched his pitch count elevate as Scranton Wilkes-Barre hitters fouled off pitches. Johnson's command was fine; he just wasn't missing many bats.