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Baltimore Orioles: Zach Britton May Join Orioles Starting Rotation

By Christopher Church

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 23: Zach Britton
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 23: Zach Britton /
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Will the Baltimore Orioles put closer Zach Britton in the starting rotation once he returns?

The overpowering Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton suffered a devastating blow to his 2018 season with a ruptured Achilles during an offseason workout in California.

Consequently, Britton’s trade value vanishes and the Orioles must revise their long-term plans with the lefty.

Britton, 30, confirmed on Twitter on Thursday that his surgery to correct a ruptured Achilles tendon was victorious by Dr. Kenneth Jung.

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According to MASNsports.com’s Roch Kubatko reports on the possibility of Britton joining the Orioles starting rotation once he returns somewhere near the 2018 All-Star break. Furthermore, any discussions regarding the Orioles releasing Britton should cease.

However, Kubtako discusses the possibility of the Orioles making Britton a member of the O’s rotation. Although Britton’s desire to remain in the bullpen, many key members of the organization support the idea of reverting him back to a starter.

Britton first came into the league as a starting pitcher, making 28 starts his rookie season with 11 wins and a 4.61 ERA. In fact, Britton began his rookie season going 5-2 with a 2.14 ERA in his first nine starts.

Finally, Britton’s 2011 rookie season highlights included:

  • May 12 vs. Mariners: ND, 9 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 5 SO

  • Apr 9 vs. Rangers: W, 7.2 IP,  4 H, 0 ER, 2 SO

  • Sep 17 vs. Angels: W, 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 7 SO

  • Apr 3 vs. Rays: W, 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 6 SO

Moving forward to 2012, Britton was due to take the next step in the quest to become front-of-the-rotation starting pitcher for the O’s. However, an injury during spring training led to missing the entire first half of his sophomore season.

In a more diminished role, Britton made just 11 starts with 60 innings pitched with 53 strikeouts and a 5-3 record.

Since then, Britton hasn’t pitched more than 76.1 innings in a season as he transitioned to the bullpen and eventually the Orioles closer.

However, the time in the bullpen was the catalyst to Britton becoming one of the best closers in MLB, earning back-to-back All-Star appearances in 2015 and 2016.

Next: 5 Most Memorable Orioles Moments from 2017

Make sure to leave comments below on your thoughts on what the Orioles should do with Zach Britton.

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