Despite a brief return from the disabled list, the Baltimore Orioles are again without star closer Zach Britton. Now they know how long they will be without their All Star reliever.
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It would have been difficult for Zach Britton to replicate his 2016 campaign. The Baltimore Orioles closer had a literally historic season, posting a 0.54 ERA and a 0.836 WHiP while notching a league leading 47 saves. It was safe to say that Britton had entered the conversation as the best closer in the game.
This season, Britton struggled out of the gate. While he has still managed to post an ERA of exactly 1.00, he has a 1.778 WHiP, as opponents were battering his offerings. When Britton went on the disabled list for ten days, the hope was that this would be the answer to the problems. Then, he rushed himself back, and after a five day stint on the active roster, Britton was placed back on the disabled list with the same forearm injury.
Although the Orioles naturally feared the worst as Britton headed to see Dr. Neal ElAttrache, he confirmed that Britton does not have any ligament damage. Instead, it has been prescribed that he rest his arm, and to not even pick up a baseball for ten days. However, this also means that Britton will be out of action for anywhere from six to eight weeks.
Zach Britton will be sidelined for 45-60 days, source says. Os hopeful he returns before the All-Star Break. More coming soon. #Orioles #MLB
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) May 9, 2017
All things considered, this may be close to the best case scenario for Baltimore. Britton will be back at some point this season, and his arm is relatively healthy. He is actually just dealing with a forearm strain, and nothing worse.
Meanwhile, the Orioles have discovered another excellent closer in their bullpen. With Britton on the DL, Brad Brach has stepped into the closer role, and performed well. Heading into yesterday’s action, he has appeared in an American League best 18 games, recording eight saves with a 2.31 ERA and a 0.911 WHiP.
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The Baltimore Orioles received some good news in regards to Zach Britton yesterday. With rest and rehab, their All Star closer should be back in just a few weeks.