Zach Britton – LHP, Baltimore Orioles
Hector Neris has not been the same reliever we saw last season. A 1-3 record is matched with a 4.50 ERA while going 9-for-12 in save opportunities. Manager Gabe Kapler has mixed up his bullpen usage during Neris’s struggles.
Closing games during the dog days of summer will be very crucial for the Phillies playoff hopes and Britton is one of the best in the game. He has yet to play this season due to injury. He had a shortened year last season as well, but still impressed with a 2.89 ERA and 15 saves. That seems mediocre however compared to his 2014-2016 tear in which he went 9-4 with 120 saves and a 1.38 ERA.
The Phillies have a major lack of left-handed arms which increases the need for a pitcher like Britton on the roster. He has been a consistent force out of the Orioles bullpen and could fill a major hole in the bullpen.