Johnson (personal) threw five scoreless innings for short-season Lowell on Thursday. He allowed four hits and one walk while striking out five in his first rehab start for the Spinners.
Johnson, who placed on the inactive list in May due to anxiety issues, is working his way back to Triple-A Pawtucket, where he may be able to provide some starting depth for Boston. Prior to his placement on the inactive list, Johnson was struggling with command, going 2-3 with a 4.64 ERA and 22 walks in 33 innings.