Johnson allowed one run on six hits and three walks while striking out six for Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday.
Johnson was slowed during training camp by a toe injury and had been on a pitch count, but has thrown 95 and 96 pitches, respectively, in his last two starts. The left-hander has allowed seven runs (five earned) on 19 hits and 11 walks in 20 innings over his first four starts. He typically exhibits better command than what he's shown early, but that will come. Johnson is a name to keep in mind as the Red Sox sort through injuries (Eduardo Rodriguez, Joe Kelly) and poor performances (Clay Buchholz, Henry Owens) in its starting staff.