Britton may be shut down (plus Machado and Beckham updates)

The Orioles may shut down closer Zach Britton for the last 10 games of the season due to lingering concerns about his knee.

Britton underwent his exit physical and team orthopedist Dr. Michael Jacobs will discuss the results of an MRI with manager Buck Showalter before the club makes a decision.

Surgery isn't considered a possibility at the moment. Showalter said whatever is causing the discomfort should "heal itself" in the offseason.

Britton continues to wear a brace on the knee, as he's done the past few seasons. He's been on the disabled list twice with soreness in his left elbow and forearm area, but avoided it last month after undergoing an MRI on his knee.

The Orioles will check the MRI to make certain that there haven't been any structural changes in the knee.

Britton wasn't available to pitch last night, but mostly because he had worked the two previous games. He's 2-1 with a 2.89 ERA and 15 saves in 17 chances over 38 games this season.

Manny Machado is out of the lineup due to an illness that's slowed him for the past few weeks, according to Showalter. The Orioles may send him home before tonight's game.

Showalter said two or three players are sick.

Tim Beckham had an abscessed wisdom tooth extracted today and isn't available to play. He may return to the lineup on Thursday night against the Rays, his former team.

Showalter said he chose rookie Austin Hays to lead off more out of "necessity."

Showalter also said Tanner Scott will make his major league debut this month, but the games may dictate the timing of it. Showalter has thought about giving Scott a short start similar to the ones that the left-hander experienced at Double-A Bowie.

I'll provide quotes from Showalter in my next blog entry.