Fresh on a four game winning streak, the improbable Baltimore Orioles turn to rookie Steve Johnson to make it five straight. The 24-year-old righty takes the hill against the Seattle Mariners.

A 13th round pick in the 2005 MLB Draft, Johnson owns a 2.86 ERA in AAA with 8.5 K/9 and a flossy 1.062 WHIP. Johnson joined the Balitmore system in 2009 in the trade that sent reliever George Sherrill to the Dodgers.

In 28 starts in AA in 2010, Johnson struggled to a 5.09 in 28 starts over 145 IP. Johnson improved in 2011, with a 4.20 ERA in both AA and AAA. An astute O’s fan might recall Johnson’s July 15 relief appearance against Detroit when he allowed 1 ER over 2 IP.

The 6’1″, 220 pound Baltimore native will take the start in place of Tommy Hunter, who was scratched after warming up in Tuesday’s 14-inning win over the Mariners.

Seattle will start veteran right-hander Kevin Millwood, 4-9 with a 4.01 ERA. A win would tie Baltimore’s season record at five straight wins. Now is the time for Balitmore to get hot, as they will host the Kansas City Royals and Boston Red Sox over the next seven games. The Big Guy is on record saying the Orioles will make it to the playoffs.

The game is scheduled for a 7:05 EST start.

The Big Guy