All-Star closer Zach Britton concluded his seven-outing minor league rehabilitation assignment Monday night, pitching the ninth inning for the High-A Frederick Keys, completing his recovery from a left forearm strain that has limited him to nine big league innings this season.
Britton pitched a scoreless ninth in the host Keys’ 3-0 loss to the Lynchburg Hillcats but needed 19 pitches to get through the inning after allowing a double to right-center by No. 9 hitter into Daniel Salters and walking shortstop Willi Castro on six pitches after falling behind 3-0. Britton threw first-pitch strikes to just one of the five hitters he faced, working on his slider as well as his sinker.