masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles closer Zach Britton underwent surgery today to repair his right Achilles tendon in Los Angeles and there were no complications or anything unexpected that drew concerns from the medical side or within the organization.
I was told this afternoon that the procedure, “went well,” and Britton later offered his own confirmation via Twitter.

Surgery went really well. Want to thank everyone for their support. Especially Dr. Kenneth Jung and his staff at @KerlanJobe
— Zach Britton…

Orioles closer Zach Britton underwent surgery today to repair his right Achilles tendon in Los Angeles and there were no complications or anything unexpected that drew concerns from the medical side or within the organization.

I was told this afternoon that the procedure, “went well,” and Britton later offered his own confirmation via Twitter.

The procedure was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on the West Coast and lasted about 90 minutes.

The optimistic timetable for Britton’s return was June, but he pointed out that Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright underwent a similar surgery in 2015 and came back in five months, which would put the closer’s debut in May.

Zach Britton throwing gray.pngThe Orioles gladly will take June or July, but they’re not eliminating any possibilities.

Britton ruptured the Achilles on Tuesday while running sprints as part of his workout at agent Scott Boras’ training center in California. An MRI confirmed the injury, the latest to strike Britton following two stints on the disabled list this year with a strained left forearm and a cell-stem injection in his left knee in September.

I’ve checked around today and received no indications that the Orioles will release Britton, who’s eligible for arbitration again and projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to receive $12.2 million. They’d rather hold onto him as a possible trade chip later in the summer or to bolster the back end of the bullpen while trying to remain competitive in the rigorous American League East.

Everything is subject to change, but the current vibe keeps Britton in the organization.

Britton, who turns 30 on Friday, registered a 0.54 ERA in 2016, went 47-for-47 in save opportunities and placed fourth in voting for the American League’s Cy Young Award. He had a 2.89 ERA and 15 saves in 38 appearances this season.