Orioles Transactions 6/11/18: Zach Britton returns
In what is probably the best of the Orioles news your going to hear this week, Zack Britton makes his season debut after tearing his Achilles in the winter. Taking only six months to return from this injury, the Orioles closer looked in good form in the Minor Leagues, owning a 1.69 ERA and striking out six.
Unfortunately for the Orioles, this is likely a try out period for Britton. With the Orioles in last place, Britton becomes their top trade off piece (except for Manny Machado of course). While the Orioles almost traded Britton last year, Britton is entering free agency and the Orioles are entering a rebuilding phase. The former All-Star and Cy Young Candidate is not in their long-term plans and will fetch a few solid prospects. July 31st (Trade Deadline) is a big date for Britton, Machado, and Adam Jones.
The corresponding moves for the Orioles were to place Pedro Araujo on the 10-day DL and transfer Colby Rasmus to the 60-day DL. Pedro has significantly struggled in the Major Leagues after never pitching above High A ball in his career. In 28.0 innings pitched this season he has a 7.71 ERA. While many have called for his release, the Orioles have been stubbornly holding on to the Rule 5 pick. While this move may save him for a little while longer the clock is ticking.
As for Colby Rasmus, if he ever makes it to the Orioles lineup than g-d help us indeed. In 8 games in the Minor Leagues he is batting .095, I kid you not and for some reason Dan Duquette is keeping him around.
