TORONTO - The Orioles, as expected, did make a roster move today, but one that was very unexpected. They have put All-Star closer Zach Britton on the 10-day disabled list with a left forearm strain. Right-hander Stefan Crichton has returned to the active roster.
Britton is eligible to return on Wednesday April 26. The Orioles were hopeful to backdate that one day since Britton has not pitched since Friday. But since Crichton was optioned yesterday and is returning to the active roster today, they cannot backdate the move.
"Zach has a little issue with his forearm that we want to take advantage of the 10-day thing to try and clear that up and not take any chances with it," manager Buck Showalter said. "Felt it on a breaking ball - he threw two breaking balls the day before yesterday - felt it a little bit on the second breaking ball. We just don't want to take any chances with it and make sure we try to get it taken care of."
Showalter said he was actually encouraged that it is an issue that occurred on one specific pitch.
"That why it gives us some hope for not a long period (of time missed). He was throwing 96, 97 (mph) after that breaking ball. He was sore and is still sore, but not as sore as he was. We'll get back home, and if they need to take some pictures of it (do a precautionary MRI), they will.
"Too soon to know (if Britton will be back in 10 days). We're confident that it shouldn't be long-term, if he continues to progress like he has the last two days. He is also going to need to take a couple of bullpen days to make sure he can throw and come back the next day."
Coming off a year where he went 2-1 with an ERA of 0.54 and 47 saves in 47 chances, Britton is 5-for-5 in saves this year, and the last two featured more drama than we are used to seeing from the left-hander. Obviously, the forearm issue may have figured in that.
Britton has an ERA of 1.29 in six games this season. Over seven innings, he has permitted 10 hits and one run with three walks and six strikeouts. Opponent batters are hitting .345 against him.
"You are always concerned when someone has discomfort ... everybody on the team has something you could talk about if you want to. We think it will manage itself if we take the right precautions," Showalter said.
"You know after a game, the emotion, you let it die down. You let it play out a little bit, but talking with Richie (Bancells, head athletic trainer) and Zach a couple of times, it's gotten a little better each day. But in that role, if all the sudden you think he's ready and he warms up in the ninth inning and has a problem and can't pitch ... you have to manage the game not sure he can be there at the end, that's not a good proposition. Plus. it's April. We want to take care of this thing and put it behind the rest of the year."
So where do the Orioles turn when the next save chance arrives?
"We've got good options. Kind of play it accordingly. We were going to use Brad (Brach) yesterday with three guys down in the bullpen. I'd say everybody is in play. Probably the guy with the most experience is Donnie Hart, if you're going to go down that road," Showalter said.