Baltimore Orioles: 5 Best Players Half-Way Through The Season

3. Zach Britton, RP

May 25, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph (36) congratulates pitcher Zach Britton (53) after a game against the Cleveland Indians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles defeated the Indians 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Britton will top our list of pleasant surprises for the Baltimore Orioles. When Britton started his career in the starting rotation in 2011, he found some early success, pitching 28 games and going 11-11 with a 4.61 ERA.

However, he struggled mightily in 2012, pitching just 12 games with an ERA of 5.07, including two straight starts where he allowed eight runs and failed to make it out of the first inning. His failures in the starting rotation earned him a spot in the 2014 Orioles bullpen, where he has excelled.

He started out the first month and a half with an ERA of under one, and due to the struggles of closer Tommy Hunter, he became the team’s closer. He has blown just two saves in 12 opportunities, going 3-1 with a 1.52 ERA. If it wasn’t for his one blown save last week against the Yankees when he allowed four runs; his ERA would still be under one. He has come out of nowhere and he has shut down opposing batters. The Orioles will continue to look to him; not only in save situations, but in close games as well.