Left-arm fatigue forced Zack Britton to leave the game on Friday. This was his third game after returning from an injury that caused him to undergo Tommy John surgery. He was on the injured list until September 22.
On Friday, the left-handed pitcher was taken out of the game in the sixth inning. The training staff and the team manager came out to see him after he felt some issues on his left arm following a wild pitch. There was speculation over Zack Britton’s inclusion in the playoff roster.
Zack Britton has walked five batters in only 2/3 of an inning in his two outings since returning from injury. Then, on Friday against Baltimore, he walked the first player he saw, Gunnar Henderson.
After Zack Britton fell behind the next batter, pinch-hitter Jesus Aguilar, first baseman Anthony Rizzo, and catcher Jose Trevino walked to the mound. However, Britton delivered a ball to the backstop two pitches later.
Britton was taken out of the game and Ron Marinaccio replaced him after Aaron Boone and team trainer Tim Lentych had a short conversation.
Before the game, Boone said that Zack Britton had some room for improvement with his command, but he also mentioned that the 34-year-old had terrific arm speed and felt healthy.
The Yankees also suffered another loss. Right-handed reliever Clay Holmes complained of a right rotator cuff problem that could keep him away until ALDS starting on October 11. Holmes had a cortisone injection on his shoulder to treat the pain.
The pitcher was an asset for the Yankees with 16 saves in 18 chances before back spasms stopped him from playing in August. After his return on August 30, Holmes had 3.07 ERA in 13 games. During the first game in Toronto, he felt discomfort that led the team brass to send him for an MRI.
Zack Britton had a very aggressive rehab to ensure an injury-free return almost a year after his elbow surgery. He had surgery on September 21 last year. It takes typically 15 months to recover fully to play baseball. However, Zack Britton was able to complete his rehab in less than 12 months. It included eight minor league games. He played against the Red Sox and the Blue Jays after coming back to the roster. The Yankees paid him $14 million while he was injured. The player turns a free agent following the 2022 World Series.
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