Britton to Norfolk

The Orioles have promoted Zach Britton from Double-A Bowie to Triple-A Norfolk. The news came following Monday night’s game and ended the speculation as to when Britton would make the jump. Britton was the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week last week and is the Orioles representative in this year’s Futures Game (as part of the USA’s squad.)

Britton went 7-3 with a 2.48 ERA in 15 games for Bowie. He allowed just one run
and four hits over eight innings in his last Double-A outing, Friday at
Altoona.

I got a few emails asking if we will see Britton at some point this season. In my opinion, that’s a yes. He will likely be a September call-up, and depending on what the Orioles do at this year’s Trade Deadline could be in Baltimore even earlier. This spring, the organization made it clear the kid gloves are off and told Britton if all goes well he could reach the Majors this season.

His promotion to Triple-A was little surprise given that he’s been dominant as of late. Britton, who has been working on his changeup and keeping his ground ball rates high, has allowed one earned run or less in six of his past seven starts.