Britton is ready to go and Hart thinks about the homefront

Orioles closer Zach Britton hasn't pitched since his run of 60 straight converted saves ended last Wednesday at Oriole Park. The 60 straight is an American League record.

Britton has had some left knee soreness and had an MRI, which did not show any structural damage. He didn't close Sunday's game in Boston, as Brad Brach came on for a five-out save.

But Britton indicated today that was more manager Buck Showalter giving his knee an extra day rather than him not being available to pitch.

"Yeah, I was ready yesterday," Britton said this afternoon. "Just didn't pitch. Threw a bullpen early in the morning yesterday and felt good. So I was ready to go yesterday. Just a normal member of the bullpen right now. This knee issue has been something I've had since 2014, so it's nothing new to us inside the clubhouse or the medical staff. So we are not going to treat it any differently than we have these last few years."

Britton said he thought he would be called on to close Sunday's game.

"Yeah, I was under that impression after talking with Buck before the game," he said. "But I don't start doing anything there until he calls and says who is in the game. He didn't and that was that.

"I think at times he's cautious about guys, which is a good trait obviously. There are managers that would run guys out there when they know they shouldn't. Buck is not one of those guys. You appreciate that as a player. But sometimes you just want to get out there. But at the end of the day, I respect his authority. He's the manager and if he decides not to put me in the game, then that's the call and you go with it."

Britton is wearing a left knee brace but he said today that is not new either. Not close to new.

"Yeah, (been doing that) since 2014. We were just looking through the medical records. Even when I didn't have symptoms, it was just something we did from 2014, 2015, 2016 and even this year before I even had any symptoms. It is not an uncommon thing.

"It's the same one I've been using. We tried to mess around with something (new) the first day in Boston, but I looked like a linebacker for the Ravens. That didn't work out so we went back to the other one I've had since 2014."

Britton said his knee was not the reason he gave up two runs in 1/3 of an inning in that game versus Oakland. But this year has been disjointed for him. He's had two trips to the DL and the save chances haven't come as frequently. He is 1-0 with 11 saves in 12 chances, a 3.55 ERA and .310 average against over 25 1/3 innings.

"Yeah, it's been tough," Britton said. "Haven't had a lot of save opportunities. Last year was probably the smoothest schedule you could get. I rarely had three days off and was pitching a lot. And in situations I normally pitch in, where this year it's been, I think for a while we either lost by a lot or won by a lot. It has been tough to get into a rhythm for sure.

"I've blown saves before. You learn that when the time comes, I'll get back in the game," he said. "But you try not to stress about it. You see it for what it is and work on making adjustments and trying to be better when you get in, whether it's tonight or tomorrow.

Hart thinks about family/friends in Texas: No pun intended here but Donnie Hart's heart is with his family and friends back home in Texas, near the scene of the massive flooding. Hart was recalled to the roster today from Triple-A Norfolk. Hart is from Fulsher, Texas, which is near Katy and about 30 miles west of Houston. He played college baseball at Texas State University.

"I've been pretty distracted," Hart said. "I spent most of the ride today up from Norfolk on the phone. I have family that is impacted. My parents house is full right now. We don't even own dogs and they have five right now. Both sisters and their families are in the house right now because the amount of water they are taking in.

"To say the least, I've been pretty glued in on the weather channel for two or three days trying to find ways to help people out. I have a friend that has an airboat. Trying to get him to people that need help.

"It is kind of scary there right now," Hart added. "I can thankfully say my family is safe right now for the most part. They are supposed to get like 12 to 20 inches (more of rain) tomorrow. You just cross your fingers that everyone can get out and go somewhere and be safe for the night."

The Astros-Rangers series has officially been relocated to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. Details here: pic.twitter.com/RPDA0qko7n

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