Orioles closer Zach Britton is reporting to the Sarasota complex to begin rehabbing his strained left forearm. However, he will be shut down for an extended period and may not return before the All-Star break, according to a source.
Britton underwent an MRI yesterday in Los Angeles as part of an examination performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache. The elbow is fine, with no structural damage detected, but the Orioles are putting Britton on a program that's going to significantly delay his return.brti
There is less swelling in the forearm area than there was the first time that Britton was placed on the disabled list on April 16 in Toronto. But Britton admitted that he rushed back against the advice of the medical staff and lasted only two appearances before the discomfort returned.
The All-Star break begins on July 10. The source indicated that Britton could be unavailable to the Orioles anywhere within 45-60 days.
Britton converted all 47 of his save opportunities last season, registered a 0.54 ERA in 67 innings, made his second All-Star team and placed fourth in Cy Young voting in the American League. He's 5-for-5 in save chances this year and has surrendered only one run, but he's allowed 12 hits and walked four batters in nine innings.
Britton tossed a scoreless inning May 2 in Boston, but he needed a triple play to escape a two-on, no-out jam. He allowed a hit two nights later in a scoreless inning. His last save came on April 14, when he gave up his only run.
Brad Brach and Darren O'Day are sharing the closing duties in Britton's absence. Brach recorded his eighth save last night and appears to be the first option if available.
Manager Buck Showalter didn't reveal much about Britton's exam following last night's game, citing HIPAA law. He said today that the Orioles laid out Britton's program and have a timetable in mind that he's not going to make public.