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The Orioles have put star closer Zach Britton on the 10-day disabled list with a left forearm strain, per a team announcemnt on Twitter. The O’s have recalled right-hander Stefan Crichton from Triple-A Norfolk to take Britton’s place.
Baltimore manager Buck Showalter told reporters before today’s series-finale against the Blue Jays that Britton had felt some sort of pain in his arm following his appearance in Friday’s 7-4 win. Britton allowed one earned run on three hits, but converted his fifth save of the season and his 54th consecutive one — tied for the longest streak in AL history and tied for the second-longest in baseball history. Erig Gagne holds the record for the most saves converted in a row with 84.
Britton has become the best closer in the majors, racking up 125 saves since 2014. Britton has earned two All-Star selections and finished fourth in the AL Cy Young voting last year, when he saved 47 games while posting a 0.54 ERA, a 0.84 WHIP and 74 strikeouts in 67 innings.
Britton, who agreed to a one-year, $11.4 million deal this year, will be a big loss for the Orioles for the time being. Lefty Donnie Hart or right-hander Darren O’day will more than likely be closing for Baltimore in Britton’s absence.