Comeback Lasts Just ⅔ Of An Inning For Former All-Star Closer

It's been a tough couple of years for the former two-time All-Star and American League saves leader Zack Britton. After finally making it back to the New York Yankees' bullpen after a full year recovering from Tommy John surgery, his comeback lasted all of ⅔ of an inning in total. 

This stinks: Zack Britton, a great pro, lands on the 60-day IL with what the Yankees announced as left shoulder fatigue. A possible left-handed option disappears for a team which has major bullpen questions.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 1, 2022

The Yankees have had to place Britton on the 60-day IL, ending his season, due to "left shoulder fatigue." As noted by ESPN's Buster Olney, the Yankees' bullpen woes continue, as this robs them of what could have been a key lefty option in the playoffs.

Britton came to New York in a 2018 trade from the Baltimore Orioles, and had 2 ½ great years in pinstripes, serving as a formidable southpaw in late-game, high-leverage situations. He had 8 saves in the truncated 2020 season with a 1.89 ERA.

But injury troubles derailed his 2021 season, leading eventually to the TJ surgery. 

He finally made it back a week ago, and made three appearances totalling just ⅔ of an inning due to control issues. He walked six of the nine batters he faced before succumbing to the shoulder fatigue. 

Britton's career reached its peak in the 2016 season, in Baltimore, recording a league-leading 47 saves with a ridiculous 0.54 ERA in an AL-high 63 games finished. 

He becomes a free agent at the end of the season, and given his injury problems, it's uncertain what the future holds for him. 

Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports