Zackary Grant Britton was born on December 22, 1987, he is known professionally as Zach Britton until February 2019, and is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the Baltimore Orioles.
Britton graduated from Weatherford High School in Texas and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the third round of the 2006 MLB draft. Initially a starting pitcher, Britton converted to a closer and led the American League in saves in 2016, and was named to the AL All-Star team in 2015 and 2016.
From September 20, 2015, to August 23, 2017, Britton converted 60 straight saves, an American League record. The Orioles traded Britton to New York during the 2018 season.
The Baltimore Orioles selected Britton in the third round, with the 85th overall selection, of the 2006 Major League Baseball draft. He accepted a $200,000 signing bonus to sign a professional contract and not attend college.
In 2020, he was 1-2 with 8 saves and a 1.89 ERA. On October 29, the Yankees picked up Britton’s $14 million option for 2022.
Midway through 2021 Spring Training, Britton experienced elbow discomfort, and a bone chip in his left elbow was discovered following an MRI, which required arthroscopic surgery and a recovery period of 3-4 months.
On March 31, 2021, Britton was placed on the 60-day injured list. On June 12, Britton was activated from the injured list. On August 12, Britton became the first losing pitcher in the Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa.
Did Zack Britton Have Tommy John Surgery?
On September 9, 2021, Britton underwent Tommy John surgery along with the removal of bone chips in his pitching elbow.