Red flags are going up in Baltimore once again. All Star closer Zach Britton, who already spent time on the disabled list with a forearm strain, landed back on the disabled list on Saturday with the same forearm strain. While MRI results cleared his forearm and elbow of any serious issues, fantasy owners and Orioles fans certainly have reason to be concerned given the circumstances for Britton and the history of forearm issues.
Britton missed two weeks earlier in the season with a forearm strain when the Orioles deemed the injury to not be overly serious and he would just miss the minimum amount of time. Britton wound up missing just over two weeks and when he returned, something still didn't seem right
In his two appearances off the disabled list, Britton just didn't pitch to his normal ability and the soreness in the forearm returned quickly. Now the Orioles will likely play it even more cautiously with Britton and we could be looking at a three-plus week absence.
With Britton sidelined once again, Baltimore turns to Brad Brach to close out games once more. Brach should be scooped up off the waiver given the value of saves and opportunities he should have on a good team. So far this season, Brach continues to dominate this season with just eight hits and runs allowed in 17 innings pitched. He's converted six of seven save opportunities and with a 17/6 K/BB ratio, makes for a premium closer.