Orioles confirm Britton back in rotation

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

August 17, 2012, 8:36pm

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In news that won't come as a shock, the Orioles confirmed in a tweet that Zach Britton will start Saturday night's game against the Tigers at Comerica Park. It makes sense, since Britton is in Detroit. He didn't fly there to visit Greektown. The Orioles didn't have to officially recall Britton tonight. He was placed on baseball's equivalent of a 24-hour taxi squad. A corresponding 25-man roster move is coming on Saturday. The Orioles could choose to option right-hander Steve Johnson to Triple-A Norfolk. Manager Buck Showalter left open the possibility that Johnson could start against the Tigers despite the 28 pitches he threw in relief on Thursday, but Britton will take the ball. Britton is 1-1 with an 8.10 ERA in five starts with the Orioles this season, and 4-2 with a 4.91 ERA in nine starts at Norfolk. Most recently, he allowed six runs and three hits in 3 2/3 innings. He'll be working on regular rest Saturday. Britton has been bothered by a chipped nail in his last few starts. If you notice pitching coach Rick Adair checking Britton's left hand in the dugout between innings, that's probably the reason.