Zack Britton, a left-handed pitcher, began his Major League Baseball career with the Baltimore Orioles. Drafted by the Orioles in the third round of the 2006 MLB Draft, Britton worked his way through the minor leagues, showcasing his potential as a starting pitcher. He made his MLB debut on April 3, 2011, against the Tampa Bay Rays, where he pitched six innings and allowed just one earned run, earning his first career win.
Initially, Britton was utilized as a starting pitcher. During his rookie season in 2011, he started 28 games, finishing with an ERA of 4.61. Over the next couple of years, Britton's role with the Orioles fluctuated as he struggled with consistency and injuries. By 2013, he had transitioned between the starting rotation and the bullpen, searching for a more permanent role on the team.
The turning point in Britton's career came in 2014 when he was converted into a full-time relief pitcher, specifically a closer. This change proved to be a masterstroke for both Britton and the Orioles. In his first season as a closer, he recorded 37 saves with an impressive 1.65 ERA, establishing himself as one of the top relief pitchers in the league. His sinker, a pitch that induced a high number of ground balls, became his signature weapon, baffling hitters and leading to his dominance on the mound.
Britton's performance peaked in 2016, a season that is often highlighted as one of the best ever by a relief pitcher. He converted all 47 of his save opportunities, posting an astonishing 0.54 ERA over 67 innings. His ability to keep the ball in the park was remarkable, as he allowed only one home run throughout the entire season. This exceptional performance earned him the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award and a fourth-place finish in the American League Cy Young Award voting.
Injuries, however, began to affect Britton's career. In December 2017, he ruptured his Achilles tendon, which delayed his start to the 2018 season. Despite this setback, Britton returned to the mound and was traded to the New York Yankees in July 2018. With the Yankees, he continued to be a reliable arm out of the bullpen, adapting to a setup role rather than closing games.
Britton's tenure with the Yankees saw him maintain solid performance levels, though not quite reaching the heights of his 2016 season. He signed a contract extension with the Yankees in January 2019, solidifying his role as a key component of their bullpen. Over the next few seasons, Britton continued to be an effective reliever, utilizing his sinker to induce ground balls and limit opposing offenses.
Throughout his career, Britton was known for his ability to generate ground balls at an exceptional rate, thanks to his dominant sinker. This skill made him a valuable asset in high-leverage situations, particularly in the late innings of games. His career statistics reflect his effectiveness, with a career ERA well below the league average and a high ground ball percentage.
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