Update on Britton's simulated game

Desperate for any nugget of positive news while their record threatens to again slip below .500, the Orioles came away encouraged today by Zach Britton's simulated game at Single-A Frederick.

It may have to carry the afternoon.

Britton threw 22 pitches and didn't experience any stiffness or discomfort in his left forearm, keeping him on track to join short-season Single-A Aberdeen for its opener on Monday. The game would mark the official start of his injury rehab assignment

"Making good progress," Britton wrote in a text message. "Now just trying to get back into pitching form. Command my pitches, throwing breaking balls."

Britton figures to be at Camden Yards on Friday, allowing him to work out and be checked by the club. He'll confer with manager Buck Showalter and pitching coach Roger McDowell to receive confirmation on Monday's outing, which is slated to last one inning.

Britton left the spring training complex in Sarasota due to the weather that threatened to interfere with his first session against live hitters. He threw three bullpen sessions, the most recent on Monday, while advancing through his program.

Today's sim game apparently unfolded just as the Orioles wanted.

"He threw fine," said executive vice president Dan Duquette. "I guess by the last 10 pitches he had pretty good rhythm. He's on track. He had a good work day."

Britton returned to the disabled list retroactive to May 5 with a left forearm strain. The Orioles aren't revealing his targeted return date - manager Buck Showalter said there's wiggle room at the end in case their closer needs more or fewer rehab games - but he's expected back before the All-Star break.

Britton has allowed one run and 12 hits over nine innings, with four walks, seven strikeouts and a wild pitch over his eight appearances. He's converted all five save opportunities after going 47-for-47 last season.