Britton shut down 7-10 days, Socolovich and Eyre reassigned

SARASOTA, Fla. - Pitcher Zach Britton will be shut down seven to 10 days after receiving an injection in his left shoulder to reduce the inflammation. The good news is Dr. James Andrews didn't find any structural damage in Britton's shoulder, so his diagnosis matches the one coming from the Orioles. But as expected, Britton won't be ready for opening day and figures to begin the season on the disabled list. Britton received a Platelet Rich Plasma injection, which contains several different growth factors and other cytokines that stimulate healing of bone and soft tissue and, hopefully, eliminates the inflammation that's hindered Britton at various times since August. Britton is flying back to Sarasota this afternoon after meeting with Dr. Andrews in Pensacola. Also, pitchers Miguel Socolovich and Willie Eyre, both slowed by groin injuries this spring, were reassigned to minor league camp. Two more pitchers will be cut today if they haven't left the complex. Manager Buck Showalter was searching for them after meeting with reporters. Dontrelle Willis did, indeed, throw a light bullpen session today. Only one of the four runs off Pedro Strop today was earned in the Orioles' 6-3 loss to the Blue Jays. Showalter noted that Strop got "out of whack" for the first time this spring and couldn't straighten himself out. Baseball America reports that the Orioles signed infielder Josh Barfield, 29, to a minor league deal. He hasn't played in the majors since 2009 with the Indians.