"This was one of those nights where I didn't feel like I had exactly what I wanted," Johnson said. "But I was able to get through. Every time I turned around, the ball was in somebody's glove, all night. I like being here."

Johnson spent last season with the Seibu Lions of Japan's Pacific League, where he was signed to fill the rotation spot vacated when Daisuke Matsuzaka signed with Boston. But Johnson went 1-4 with a 4.35 ERA in just seven starts before he was sent packing, and by this spring, he was in camp with the Dodgers on a minor league contract.

After winning 11 games for Class AAA Las Vegas in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, Johnson finally had his contract purchased July 18, after which he was told he would be starting July 22 at Colorado, only to have that plan change when rookie Clayton Kershaw was recalled from Class AA Jacksonville. But after Kershaw lasted just three innings in that game, Johnson came on to give the Dodgers four strong innings, allowing only a run on two hits.

Johnson probably will get at least one more start before Brad Penny comes off the disabled list sometime next week, but after that, his status is questionable.

DODGERS 2, GIANTS 0: The Dodgers got the only run they would need on a two-out, RBI single by James Loney in the sixth inning. They then got a valuable insurance run on a freak play when Casey Blake hit a double down the left field line. In trying to field the ball, Giants LF Fred Lewis accidentally flicked it into the front row of the stands, which meant Loney was automatically awarded home plate.