Orioles replicating spring training schedule for closer Zach Britton, whose progress continues – Baltimore Sun (blog)

Theres a deliberate method to the Orioles' efforts to return closer Zach Britton from his forearm strain back to full health, with the schedule laid out for him over a three-week period closely mirroring how hed typically get ready in spring training.

Zach was trying to push it forward and maybe take an extra [outing], Showalter said. But if you do that, it takes away from the replication of spring training. Everythings designed for him to try to join us on [July 5], which would be a normal spring training for him. Hes feeling good. Last night was the first night he really felt like he really turned it loose without any conviction about is this going to hurt or is that going to hurt, and pitched in a game without thinking about it.

Britton had his third rehabilitation outing Saturday for Low-A Delmarva, sitting 94-95 mph and walking a batter but facing the minimum in a big win for the Shorebirds. His next outing is Monday at Double-A Bowie, then he has two days off before pitching Thursday for Bowie and Friday for High-A Frederick. Brittons final outing will be at Triple-A Norfolk before he joins the team in Milwaukee for a planned July 5 return.

That Britton is having a spring-training replica in June is of interest because his actual spring training was accelerated this year. He had an early case of soreness in his oblique area that shut him down for a few weeks and delayed his normal progression, and the team had to cram a few extra outings in to get him ready for Opening Day.

Once he returned, he wasnt himself, battling the forearm problem that landed him on the disabled list twice. He allowed one run in nine appearances with five saves, but had to battle control troubles and didnt have many of the clean outings that were so prevalent in last years record-setting season.

Josh Land

First pitch, broadcast info, starting pitchers, lineups and what to watch in the Orioles' game against the Rays.

First pitch, broadcast info, starting pitchers, lineups and what to watch in the Orioles' game against the Rays. (Josh Land)

But Britton is progressing well and looked healthy Saturday, according to a scout. And he set a good example at Delmarva while he was there.

Theyre having a [pitcher fielding practice] session they have about every third day with the pitchers there, Showalter said. [Director of player development] Brian [Graham] didnt want to let him join it because he was pitching that night, and Zach somehow tagged his way into it. He said, I feel horrible. Im here trying to set an example and Im standing on the side while theyre doing PFPs. So he got out there and led the drill.

Davis progressing: First baseman Chris Davis (oblique) will remain in Florida to rehab at the clubs facility in Sarasota after the Orioles leave Tampa Bay, and is seeing improvement after a pair of platelet-rich plasma injections.

Hes sleeping now and hes not having that every-action pain, when hes trying to pick something up or reach for something in everyday life, Showalter said. He made some progress with that."

It remains unclear how long Davis will be out, but the early estimate after he suffered the injury two weeks ago was at least a month.

Around the horn: Outfielder Mark Trumbo had a hit changed to an error from Friday nights game, taking two RBIs off his tally. Infielder Ryan Flaherty (shoulder) is doing everything but throwing, and Showalter said he might stay with the team, as his progress has been more marked over the past few days. Outfielder Joey Rickard is making his second start against a right-handed pitcher in a row. The Orioles entire lineup is right-handed against right Jake Odorizzi on Sunday.

jmeoli@baltsun.com

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Orioles replicating spring training schedule for closer Zach Britton, whose progress continues - Baltimore Sun (blog)