Ryan Johnson: Everything you need to know

The Angels optioned Johnson to Double-A Rocket City following Tuesday's 14-6 loss to the Athletics. Johnson has allowed eight runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out three batters in five innings across his three outings since being reinstated from the 15-day IL on May 13. He'll head down to Double-A to work on his command issues, with the Angels recalling southpaw Tayler Saucedo from Triple-A Salt Lake in a corresponding move.

The Angels activated Johnson (hamstring) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports. Johnson landed on the IL back in early April due to a viral infection but was more recently bothered by a hamstring issue. The righty made two rehab starts in the minors, allowing three runs with a 12:1 K:BB over 8.1 innings. Manager Kurt Suzuki said that Johnson will be available out of the bullpen for now. However, he's a candidate to start Sunday's game against the Dodgers, depending on what his usage is between now and then.

Johnson (hamstring) completed five innings in a rehab outing with Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday, allowing three runs on six hits and no walks while striking out five batters. This was Johnson's second rehab appearance; in his first, he tossed 3.1 scoreless frames for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said after Friday's outing the right-handed hurler "felt great" while mentioning that the team will "talk about" Johnson's next steps, per Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register. Johnson made one start with the big-league club prior to landing on the IL, and he could move back into the rotation once healthy, especially now that Yusei Kikuchi is facing an extended absence due to a shoulder injury.