It now appears that closer Zach Britton will not return from his second stay on the disabled list until midseason, which is sure to spawn some second-guessing about the way he and the team handled the forearm soreness that initially forced him out of the Orioles bullpen more than three weeks ago.
Britton was quick to blame himself when it became apparent he wasn't really ready to come back last week in Boston. He conceded that he was advised by the team's medical and training staff to give the injury more time to heal but felt he was ready to come back after a couple of minor league rehabilitation appearances for the Double-A Bowie Baysox.