Baltimore Orioles: 5 Players Who Need a Big September to Make Playoffs

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Aug 30, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Zach Britton (53) high fives catcher Matt Wieters (32) after beating the Toronto Blue Jays 5-3 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

Just days ago we debated whether Zach Britton should win the Cy Young. Whether or not you agree with a reliever winning the prestigious award, he is the most important piece to the Orioles bullpen.

His numbers on the year are absurd. He leads the AL in saves (39) and is sporting a 0.67 ERA. His K/9 rate of 10.2 is one of the best in baseball and his sinker was voted the best pitch by his peers. He is dominating opponents, allowing just one run since April 30, and only four on the season. Opposing teams know that once Britton is in the game, it’s over.

The Orioles need him to be this dominant in September. Britton is the leader of this bullpen with O’Day’s return in question. Now is not the time for a few shaky outings as every game matters from here on out.

The Orioles could need as many as 15 appearances from Britton if they plan to make the postseason. They may not be save opportunities each time out, but Buck Showalter could go with Britton when they need a shutdown inning. He is the best reliever in the game right now and the O’s are going to ask him to do a lot this next month.

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