Zach Britton Injury: Updates on Orioles Pitcher's Ankle and Return

Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton suffered an ankle injury in the Orioles' 8-7 loss on April 31 to the Chicago White Sox. However, he's ready to return.

Continue for updates.

---

Britton Active vs. Yankees

Thursday, May 5

Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun reported Britton returned Thursday in the ninth inning against New York.

---

Britton Proving to Be Reliable Closing Option for Baltimore

Britton had big shoes to fill when he assumed ninth-inning duties in 2014. Jim Johnson saved a combined 101 games between 2012 and 2013, leading the league in both seasons. Replicating that success would be hard enough for the most experienced reliever, let alone somebody who made two appearances out of an MLB bullpen to that point in his career.

Britton subsequently recorded 37 saves in 2014 and 36 a year ago. It might be a stretch to call the 28-year-old an elite closer, but he has brought stability and consistency to the Orioles bullpen:

Baltimore will need Britton to continue delivering in 2016 if it hopes to make the playoffs coming out of what should be an even better American League East.