In what could be a devastating blow for the Baltimore Orioles, two-time All-Star closer Zach Britton reportedly suffered a rupturd Achilles during a workout in California on Tuesday. He’s expected to be out four-to-six months.
BREAKING: Orioles closer Zach Britton ruptured his Achilles yesterday working out in California. Expected to be out at least six months.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 20, 2017
Britton, 29, will undergo surgery on Thursday. At that point, we’ll have a better timeline for a potential return to the diamond. Though, it’s safe to say that he’ll miss the opening of the regular season. Suggested timeline as of now seems to indicate Britton will be lost well into the regular season.
One of the most-dominating relievers in the game, Britton suffered through an injury-plagued 2017 campaign. He appeared in 38 games, pitching to a 2.89 ERA and 1.53 WHIP while saving 15 games. That came on the heels of Britton posting a 0.54 ERA and 0.84 WHIP while saving an AL-best 47 games back in 2016.
Arbitration eligible, it was highly likely that Britton was set to receive a raise from the $11.4 million he earned last season. That’s likely no longer in the cards. Maybe, the Orioles and their top-end closer can come to some sort of a common ground after news of this devastating injury broke. Time will tell on that front.