Nick Johnson reported improvement on the lower back problem that kept him out of the past two games,

“I am feeling a lot better, the pain has subsided,’’ the oft-injured Johnson said. “I am taking pills (anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxers) and they are working. The medication has knocked it out good.’’

The plan is for Johnson to play Tuesday night against the woeful Orioles and right-hander Kevin Millwood. But he won’t know if that will happen until he takes pre-game batting practice. The problem, which is not in the same area as the back injury he suffered in spring training, surfaced after an extra-hitting session Friday.