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Baltimore Sun writer Eduardo Encina reports that Baltimore Orioles relievers Zach Britton (Achilles) and Darren O'Day (elbow) have both made progress in returning from their injuries. Working his way back from a ruptured Achilles tendon, Britton threw another bullpen session on Friday and is scheduled to pitch a simulated game on Tuesday in Chicago. O'Day also threw a bullpen session on Friday, and now the team will let him rest for a couple days to see how his elbow responds. Encina says that it is not expected that O'Day would be activated before Sunday at the earliest. Owners should keep an eye on Britton, as he will almost certainly take over as closer again once he returns, and he is currently owned in 49 percent leagues. Britton should be stashed everywhere.

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Baltimore Orioles two-time All-Star closer Zach Britton (Achilles) threw 15 pitches off the mound on Tuesday as he gets closer to beginning a rehab assignment, reports Baltimore Sun writer Eduardo Encina. Britton threw 15 pitches to outfielder Craig Gentry to simulate at-bats and will likely ramp it up to 30 pitches when he faces live batters in three days. Encina reports that will be followed by a simulated game before Britton gets a rehab assignment. This is a promising sign that he will be able to return sometime around the original projection of late May or early June. If he's on the waiver wire, now is a good time to pick him up and stash him in a disabled list slot, because he will certainly take over the closer role as soon as he returns.

Britton (Achilles) will throw a simulated game early next week, Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com reports.

Britton (Achilles) is scheduled to throw batting practice May 15, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Britton will throw off a bullpen session Wednesday in front of his surgeon, Dr. Kenneth Jung, and expects to receive clearance to begin a rehab assignment, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

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Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton faces a big test in his recovery from a ruptured Achilles this past offseason. After completing three full-mound bullpen sessions, he's scheduled to pitch this Wednesday in front of his doctor and the head trainer for the Orioles. If all goes according to plan, Britton could embark on a rehab assignment soon after, although it would likely be a lengthy one, as he missed all of spring training. Barring any setbacks, Britton will likely be in the big leagues at some point in early June and vying for saves almost immediately thanks to the weak Orioles 'pen. Relievers Brad Brach and Darren O'Day have been filling in for Britton to start the year.

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Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton (Achilles) threw a side session with good results on Thursday. Britton is likely still a month away from returning as he continues rehab for a ruptured Achilles tendon. It's a good sign to see Britton throwing more often. The Orioles have struggled with Brad Brach and Darren O'Day in the closer role. Britton is worth owning if you have a disabled list slot available or can sit him on your bench until June. He's going to resume his role as the Orioles closer once he's healthy.

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Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton threw a full bullpen session off a regular mound prior to the team's scheduled game with the Rays. Britton is working his way back from an Achilles injury and is still not expected back until late May at the earliest. However, Britton is clearly ramping up his workout and perhaps he's able to return sooner than expected. When he does return, Britton is one of the best closers in the MLB and could be a player than wins you a league championship. For now, it may be too much to hold onto him in shallow leagues, but in deeper ones holding Britton could pay dividends if he's able to return to form when he gets back on the mound.

Britton (Achilles) threw from a mound Tuesday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

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After participating in fielding drills successfully yesterday, Baltimore Orioles reliever Zach Britton had a half-mound session that went well on Sunday. These are all encouraging signs for Britton as he continues his comeback from an offseason ruptured Achilles, and even though he is on the 60-day disabled list, Orioles manager Buck Showalter has indicated that Britton could return around the time he is first eligible. Keep an eye on Britton as he has a chance to jump right back into the closer role upon his likely return in late May or early June.

Britton was a full participant in pitching fielding practice drills Saturday, marking the first time he went through extensive drills since suffering a ruptured Achilles' tendon in December, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Britton (Achilles) felt great after throwing 20 fastballs off a half-height mound Friday, Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun reports.

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Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton will throw off half a mound as he makes his way back from an Achilles injury. That's good news for a team that's struggled with its bullpen this season, with both Brad Brach and Darren O'Day looking shaky. Hopefully, the season won't already be out of hand when he returns. He possibly could return sometime in May if all goes well.

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Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton is showing the first signs in his return from the Achilles he ruptured over the winter. He's scheduled to throw off a half mound on Friday in Baltimore, marking the first time he'll be on a mound all season. This is big news for an Orioles team that has seen solid numbers from their late-inning relievers but an overall shaky start from the rest of the bullpen. Pay attention to updates on Britton's status, as it'll likely be another couple of months before his return.

Britton (Achilles) will throw off a half-height mound in Baltimore on Friday, Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Britton was able to get in some running earlier this week, the first time he has done so since undergoing surgery on his right Achilles' tendon in December, Rich Dubroff of PressBoxonline.com reports.

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Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton (Achilles) is running again and that's good news for a team that's struggling. He's going to travel with the team. Also, pitcher Chris Lee (oblique) is throwing again. Who knows what the team will do with Lee once he's healthy. It's going to depend on how the other pitchers are doing.

Members of the Orioles organization close to Britton (Achilles) believe the left-hander may be able to return from the 60-day disabled list in early June, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

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According to Roch Kubatko of MASN.com, manager Buck Showalter was very hesitant to talk about Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton and the status of his rehab from an Achilles injury. It seems like Britton is on track to return earlier than anticipated. If you stashed him away, be ready to activate him sooner than later, but the Orioles could be cautious in the end. Reliever Brad Brach is the early favorite for saves in Baltimore with Britton sidelined, but Darren O'Day could also be an option.

Britton (Achilles) was spotted doing some running on a treadmill Sunday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

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Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton (Achilles) and starting pitcher Gabriel Ynoa (shin) are out of their walking boots. Ynoa is likely closer to a return than Britton, but the Orioles closer has shown a lot of progress from his rehab and is getting stronger each day. Ynoa has a lot of work to do to even come close to making the rotation later on, but Britton will get the ball whenever he returns. Reliever Brad Brach is still probably the fill-in closer for now.

Britton (Achilles) is no longer wearing a protective boot, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Britton (Achilles) is expected to ditch the walking boot on his landing foot Saturday and ease into throwing and other baseball activities, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

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Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton (Achilles), who hurt himself in December and was looking at a possible July return, has now circled May on his calendar. He's progressing well and is having his protective boot removed next week. Britton is optimistic and wants to start throwing sometime soon. In the interim, make sure you have Brad Brach on your roster.

Manager Buck Showalter said that Britton (Achilles) remains ahead of schedule in his recovery but wouldn't mention any specifics, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

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Well, it looks like Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton may be making more progress in his rehab from his Achilles injury than anticipated. How much more? Well, that's the unknown part. Manager Buck Showalter is keeping mum on that part. The team must be excited knowing that they may get their closer back sooner than later. Still, keep an eye on Britton's progress and draft accordingly. Reliever Darren O'Day is expected to open the season as the team's ninth-inning man.

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Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton (Achilles) has begun running on an underwater treadmill. It is the next step in his rehab as he works his way back from a torn Achilles. Britton is eligible for activation from the 60-day disabled list in late May, but is likely to need more time than that.

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Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton (Achilles) will throw again on Saturday, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. Britton is still working his way back from an Achilles injury and will play catch at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida, later Saturday. This is following up on his first flat-ground throwing session on Thursday, and it continues a strong spring training for the rehabbing closer. "I think we're going to be on an every-other-day schedule, obviously depending on how I feel and things like that, and then kind of just see how it is, see how I'm feeling," said Britton, who underwent Achilles surgery on Dec. 21 in Los Angeles. The major timeline for Britton is the 12-week mark after the surgery, which will be in three weeks, as he can really amp up his workout regime after that. Britton is on the 60-day disabled list and eligible to return on May 28. Reliever Brad Brach will close while Britton is sidelined.

Britton (Achilles) threw while wearing a walking boot Thursday, Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com reports.

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Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton (Achilles) threw on Thursday, according to Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com. Ghiroli points out that this is now nine weeks since Britton had surgery on his Achilles, but he is still in his boot. He was originally scheduled to throw last week, but according to Ghiroli, the team changed his schedule. Britton has been looking good thus far in spring training, walking around the Orioles complex. He is hoping that he will be back by May, but manager Buck Showalter says that Britton could miss the entire first half.

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Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton (Achilles) was placed on the 60-day disabled list Friday. Britton had surgery on his right Achilles and is expected to miss the first half of the season, although he is ahead of schedule in his rehab. A top fantasy closer in recent seasons, Britton fell off a bit in 2017 and dealt with injuries. In his stead, Brad Brach is expected to handle ninth-inning duties, making him a low-end closing option in the later rounds.

The Orioles placed Britton (Achilles) on the 60-day disabled list Thursday, Eduardo A. Encina of The Baltimore Sun reports.

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Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton is a pending free agent, but according to Eduardo Encina of the Baltimore Sun, Britton wants to stay in Baltimore. Britton said, "It would be nice. I've been here since I was 18 years old. ... I think my situation is the same as a lot of other guys. ... A lot of us haven't been presented with the opportunity to even consider coming back at this point." Britton is working on getting back on the field as quickly as possible from an Achillies injury and was walking around the training room Tuesday. He said last week that May is realistic if his rehab goes exactly as planned. Orioles manager Buck Showalter said a month ago that he expected Britton to miss the first half of the season.

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Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton (Achilles) is looking good at the beginning of spring training, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said he was surprised by how well Britton was walking around in the training room, as Britton is dealing with an Achillies injury. Britton said last week that May is realistic if his rehab goes exactly as planned. Britton said a couple weeks ago that he was ahead of schedule in his recovery. It is common that players are optimistic about their recovery timetables, so Britton's statements have to be taken with a grain of salt. Orioles manager Buck Showalter said a month ago that he expected Britton to miss the first half of the season.

Britton (Achilles) said he could realistically return in May if everything goes as planned, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

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Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton (Achilles) said Thursday that he thinks a return in May is realistic if his rehab goes exactly as planned. Britton, who will have his third checkup on his surgically-repaired Achilles on Friday, said a couple weeks ago that he was ahead of schedule in his recovery. It is common that players are optimistic about their recovery timetables, so Britton's statements have to be taken with a grain of salt. Orioles manager Buck Showalter said a month ago that he expected Britton to miss the first half of the season.

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Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton (Achilles) underwent another exam on his Achilles this week and is said to be ahead of schedule in his recovery, according to Roch Kubatko on Twitter. Britton has another appointment scheduled for Feb. 9, and after that he will join the club in Sarasota, Fla., to continue his rehab. Britton is tentatively expected to return to the Orioles after the All-Star break. Reliever Brad Brach will function as the team's closer in his stead.

Britton (Achilles) agreed to a one-year, $12 million deal with the Orioles on Friday to avoid arbitration, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

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Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $12 million contract. There was some speculation that Britton could be released after he tore his Achilles last month, but the Orioles will pay him a hefty sum for what figures to only be about a half season of work. The left-hander is slated for free agency next offseason. Reliever Brad Brach will close while Britton is out.

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Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton (heel) is expected to miss the first half of the 2018 season, a fact confirmed by Orioles manager Buck Showalter. Britton ruptured his Achilles tendon last month during an offseason workout and underwent surgery on Dec. 21. It is an injury that can sideline athletes for eight to 12 months, but the O's are optimistic that Britton will be ready sometime in mid to late July. Reliever Brad Brach is expected to fill in as Baltimore's closer in the meantime.

Head coach Buck Showalter said Britton (Achilles) is progressing on schedule, Rich Dubroff of PressBoxonline.com reports.

Britton's surgery to repair the Achilles' tendon on the landing foot of his delivery "went well," Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

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The Baltimore Orioles are optimistic that closer Zach Britton (Achilles) will return in June. Britton suffered a torn Achilles the other day while working out and is expected to miss around half of the 2018 season. It's a huge blow to Baltimore's bullpen and Britton's fantasy and trade value. To begin the year, relief pitcher Brad Brach is expected to serve as the ninth-inning man, although he's been mentioned as a trade candidate this winter, too.

Britton suffered a ruptured Achilles' tendon while working out in California on Tuesday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports,

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Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton (Achilles) will be sidelined a minimum of four to six months after he ruptured his Achilles working out Tuesday. This is stunning news to the Orioles, who will now be without their closer. Britton is coming off an injury-plagued season as it is and the team was expected to field offers for the left-hander, who is in his final year of arbitration and projected to earn $12.2 million this upcoming season. After having one of the best seasons for a relief pitcher in 2016, Britton came back to reality in 2017 but missed time with a forearm injury and pitched to a 2.89 ERA with 15 saves in just 37 1/3 innings. The Orioles for now will likely look to reliever Brad Brach as their opening day closer, however, there have been rumors that he himself could be dealt, as he is in his final year of arbitration. Mychal Givens would be another name to look into as a potential replacement at closer.

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Baltimore Orioles pitcher Zach Britton says his knee is feeling great and that he is also taking trade talk 'in stride'. When questioned on trading Manny Machado, Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said there should be a lot of interest in Britton, if the Orioles make him available as well. Last season, Britton was sidelined for a chunk of the season, first by a left forearm strain that sent him to the disabled list twice and then by a balky left knee that ended his season in September. Britton had a stem-cell injection in the knee in late September, and says he has no lingering effects of the nagging soreness that bothered him for much of the second half. He would be a top-10 RP if healthy, no matter what team he is playing for.

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According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, both the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers have been showing interest in Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton. Britton has one year left on his contract before becoming a free agent so the Orioles are atleast willing to listen. The Cubs may lose closer Wade Davis as a free agent and would seem to be more in need for his services than the Dodgers who have Kenley Janson but may lose setup man Brandon Morrow in free agency. There may also be more teams interested in Britton so stay tuned. Britton dealt with injuries this past season and finished with a 2.89 ERA and 15 saves.

Britton (knee) said last week that he does not expect to be traded, Rich Dubroff of PressBoxonline.com reports.

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Zach Britton had a procedure where stem cells were injected into his balky left knee in an effort to alleviate the discomfort that's caused him to likely be shut down for the rest of the season. Still, there's a slight hope that it might allow him to pitch again, though Buck Showalter refuses to speculate either way. After Friday's loss, their elimination number from Wild Card contention is two, so it really doesn't make sense to bring him back. Be prepared to keep Brad Brach in your lineup.

Britton (knee) received a PRP injection Friday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.