BALTIMORE—Orioles closer Zach Britton has torn his right Achilles tendon in off-season training, a significant injury that could cause him to miss part of the 2018 season.
Baltimore executive vice-president of baseball operations Dan Duquette on Wednesday confirmed the torn Achilles tendon. It was not immediately clear how long Britton would be out.
Britton had 15 saves and a 2.89 ERA with the Orioles this past season. In 2016, he had a 0.54 ERA and was perfect in save opportunities with a major league-leading 47.
The left-hander, who turns 30 on Friday, is arbitration eligible after making $11.4 million last season. Britton can become a free agent after next season, which made him a strong trade candidate before the injury.
Britton has converted 135 of 145 save opportunities since becoming the Orioles’ closer in 2014.