Something that was expected became official on Tuesday: Yankee reliver Zack Britton has decided his season is over after a meeting with Dr. Neal ElAttrache earlier this week.
“I’ve decided I’m going to have surgery on September 8. I definitely have a bone chip in there that needs to come out, pretty similar to what I had in March,” Britton said on Tuesday. “He’s going to take a look at my UCL, it’ll be kind of up to him to see what he needs to do with the surgery. When I wake up, we’ll determine the next step.”
Britton plans to stick by his teammates’ side after the surgery, saying that his main role now will be providing guidance, support and whatever else may be needed from him in the bullpen and clubhouse.
“I’m planning on staying around the team. My job now is to be a good teammate and support these guys. We have a chance to do something special and I want to be a part of it.”
The lefty reliever also clarified that just because Dr. ElAttrache will look at his UCL, that doesn’t mean he’s destined for every pitcher’s most feared operation.
“Tommy John’s not the only thing they do nowadays with the UCL,” Britton cautioned. “There’s other options. I think we’re all hopeful it’s not severe. Basically the biggest issue is the bone chip. That’s been causing the issue, not the UCL.”
“I’m hopeful that it’s not something long term that has to take 12-16 months,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Hopefully he can start his rehab this winter and be on the mound sometime early next year. Zack’s worked his tail off. He’s gone through a lot this year. To get that news, you always hurt for the players.”
The Yankees signed Britton to a three-year, $39 million contract prior to the 2019 season. He also opted into a $14 million player option for the 2022 season, meaning Britton is under contract for next season as well. He has a 2.69 ERA in 123.2 innings with the Yankees, only 18.1 of which came in 2021.
He threw more innings during the 60-game season in 2020 than he did over the full 2021 season, as he also underwent surgery before the season to remove a bone spur from the same elbow and did not get into a game with the Yankees until June 12.
“It’s definitely disappointing,” Britton said of the recent news. “I just view it as another chapter of my career. I’m confident that it’s going to go well and I’ll be back sooner, you just never know.”
