The Yankees took an early hit to one of their biggest strengths Tuesday. It was announced left-hander Zack Britton will need arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone chip in his pitching elbow. Britton, arguably the Yankees’ best reliever, is expected to be out until mid-June at the earliest.
Nobody the Yankees can sign will be able to replace Britton’s production and value to the team. Not many relievers in the league could. The Yankees will have to replace him, however, and that will probably be an in-house option to start the season. Brian Cashman and company shouldn’t feel like they need to carry an extra lefty to replace Britton though.