The Orioles have optioned pitcher Steve Johnson to Triple-A Norfolk to make room for new callup Manny Machado, the club announced via Twitter on Thursday. To make room on the 40-man roster for Machado, Brian Roberts was shifted to the 60-day disabled list.
Johnson made his first major league start and second appearance of his career for the Orioles on Wednesday, earning the win against Seattle. In six innings, Johnson struck out nine Mariners, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks. The Orioles have an off day later this week and his next turn will be skipped, but he will likely return to the major league rotation this season.
Roberts made a return from a concussion in June but lasted less than a month before hitting the disabled list again, this time with a hip injury on July 2. He underwent surgery later in the month and is out for the season.
Machado will make his major league debut with the Orioles on Thursday as he starts at third base, batting ninth.
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