BALTIMORE -- Orioles closer Zach Britton took another step forward in his rehab from offseason Achilles surgery, throwing 15 pitches with outfielder Craig Gentry at the plate. It marked the first time Britton has faced hitters, and the plan is for him to throw a simulated game next week when the team is in Chicago.
"You get a little bit of a read where you're at," Britton said of facing an actual hitter. "I was happy. Threw some good sinkers, spun a couple of breaking balls. Just another step in the right direction."
The lefty's plan for the rest of this week is to take two days off and throw another batting-practice session.