After a taste of life in pinstripes in 2018, Zach Britton is ready to show what he can do for a whole season with the New York Yankees.
In an interview with WFAN’s Mike Francesa on Monday, New York Yankees reliever Zach Britton said he’s excited to prove himself over a full season with the team.
Mike Francesa with Zach Britton https://t.co/qf38OV8fTj
— Brian Monzo (@BMonzoRadio) January 14, 2019
“Obviously (I) wanted to, you know, pitch a little bit better,” Britton said of his time in New York.
The lefty trade-deadline acquisition appeared in 25 games for the Yankees in 2018. He started off poorly, giving up six runs and blowing two saves in his first 7.1 innings.
However, he finished up strong, allowing just two earned runs the rest of the way. On Jan. 11 he signed a two-year deal with options that could keep him on the Bombers through 2022.
Very excited to be back with the @Yankees ! Looking forward to big things from this team and organization in 2019 and beyond.
— Zack Britton (@zbritton) January 11, 2019
Yankees fans hope they’re getting a fully healthy Britton.
After dealing with knee and forearm issues in 2017, the two-time All-Star ruptured his right Achilles tendon that offseason. He opted for surgery and didn’t return to action until June 12.
“I never felt like myself (in 2018),” he told Francesa. Britton then said that his first full spring training since 2017 will make a big difference in 2019.
“I feel good about where I’m going to be this year,” the 31-year-old said. “…I’m looking forward to finally just being a healthy guy in camp and focusing on the baseball stuff.”
Brian Cashman and the rest of the Yankees universe hope Britton can return to his 2016 form. That season he dominated with a 0.54 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, and 47 saves in 67 innings, finishing fourth in the AL Cy Young voting.
Obviously, those numbers are a bit much to expect. However, Britton could be a real difference maker in a bullpen that already features Aroldis Chapman and Dellin Betances.
With Britton at full strength, and Adam Ottavino still on the Yankees’ radar, the leash could be extremely short for the Bombers’ starters in 2019.
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