Padres' Johnson projected to return June 1

The San Diego Padres have set a projected date for Josh Johnson to make his debut with the team - one year and almost eight months after signing his initial contract. 

"With J.J., he's probably not due back, this is if everything goes well in his rehab protocol in his comeback, probably until mid-to-late May, early June," manager Bud Black told MLB Network Radio on Thursday. "He'll be on a throwing program, we're going to monitor his work obviously after the Tommy John. He's projected, lets say, June 1."

Johnson signed a one-year, $8-million deal with the Padres in November of 2013, but was forced to undergo the second Tommy John surgery of his career in April. The team declined his $4-million option in October, but brought him back on a one-year, $1-million incentive laden contract last month. 

The two-time All-Star last pitched in the majors in 2013 as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. In 16 starts, Johnson posted a 2-8 record and 6.20 ERA, though he was limited with inflammation in his triceps that forced him to miss 39 days.