Report: Orioles' closer Jim Johnson hospitalized with flu-like symptoms

Apparently the flu bug has hit the Orioles, and closer Jim Johnson got the brunt of it. He has been hospitalized and is undergoing tests to see if he's got a virus or food poisoning, but the Orioles believe it's a virus.

Apparently the flu bug has hit the Orioles, and closer Jim Johnson got the brunt of it. He has been hospitalized and is undergoing tests to see if he's got a virus or food poisoning, but the Orioles believe it's a virus (School of Roch). Thus, expect Johnson to be unavailable out of the bullpen Tuesday night, if not Wednesday as well.

Johnson, 28, has been one of the best closers in baseball this season. He had a major-league best seven saves with a 0.00 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and six strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings.

If there are save chances with Johnson out, expect either Matt Lindstrom or Kevin Gregg to get the nod.

For more baseball news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnBaseball on Twitter, subscribe to the RSS feed and "like" us on Facebook.