Nearly two months after spring training ended, Zack Britton is about to get his expedited version.
The lefty reliever, who underwent surgery to remove a bone chip from his left elbow during camp, will begin a rehab assignment Saturday with Double-A Somerset.
“I feel really good, really excited for Saturday,” Britton said Thursday before the Yankees’ doubleheader split against the Blue Jays. “Just trying to build up my innings, my arm strength as I go forward in the assignment. … I guess it’s not a full spring, but I’m trying to take the approach the same way I would in a normal spring.”
Britton was about to start a rehab assignment last week when he experienced soreness after throwing in a simulated game. The veteran said Thursday that it was due to scar tissue building up from the surgery, which was an expected part of his recovery.
Aaron Boone previously said Britton would need around five rehab appearances, a schedule that could have him ready to join the Yankees by the second week of June.
“Obviously after having that soreness with the sim game, I want to make sure I’m in a good spot to perform at my best level when I return to the team,” Britton said. “The guys have done so well down there that I don’t want to come back and not be at top form. Whenever I get back, in the role that I’m used to throwing, I want to be the guy they expect I can be.”
After dealing with COVID-19 over the offseason, which led to him losing nearly 20 pounds, Britton used his rehab to regain weight and build back his strength, issues he believes he is now past.
