New York Yankees reliever Zack Britton’s season is over

Ronald Blum, The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Zack Britton’s season is over and his return from elbow ligament reconstruction has been cut short after just three relief appearances with the New York Yankees.

The Bronx team put the 34-year-old pitcher on the 60-day disabled list on Saturday, in addition to selecting right-hander Jacob Barnes from his Scranton/Wilkes-Barre AAA squad to replace him.

Britton was taken out of the game after throwing a bad pitch that allowed the Baltimore Orioles to score the game-winning run in a 2-1 win Friday, an outing that lasted just nine pitches.

The two-time All-Star player underwent “Tommy-John” surgery on Sept. 8, 2021. He was used eight times in the minor leagues beginning Aug. 24. He gave up just 36 pitches to nine batters in the majors, walking six while getting just one batter on strike. His earned run average is 13.50.

Britton was hoping to help the Yankees in the playoffs. He will be eligible for full free agency after the World Series.

Manager Aaron Boone, however, said reliever Clay Holmes’ name will not be on the injured list, as he received a cortisone injection on Thursday for rotator cuff inflammation to be available during the section series.

Matt Carpenter, who broke his left foot on August 8, ran and will report to AA club Somerset. Boone believes Carpenter will be available in the playoffs as a rusher or rush hitter.

As for right-hander Frankie Montas, sidelined since Sept. 16 with a sore shoulder, he’s started pitching again, but Boone couldn’t say if he’ll be available in the sectional series.