Britton opens rehab stint with scoreless frame

BALTIMORE -- Zach Britton made his first rehab start for Class A Short-Season Aberdeen on Monday, tossing a scoreless first inning.
Britton, who had Monday's scheduled outing pushed back due to weather, struck out the first batter he faced and then issued a one-out walk before inducing a ground ball. He threw 12 pitches in the outing, and the plan is for him to throw for Class-A Delmarva twice and then for Double-A Bowie after that.
Britton, who was moved on the 60-day disabled list on Tuesday with a left forearm strain (retroactive to May 5), has pitched in eight Major Leagues games this season and recorded five saves. Over nine innings, he's allowed 12 hits and four walks with one earned run.
Britton is coming off a fantastic 2016 in which he went a perfect 47-for-47 in save opportunities and posted a 0.54 ERA in 63 outings.
Britton's relocation to the 60-day DL helped to make room for outfielder Craig Gentry, whose contract was selected by the Orioles. Utility man David Washington was also optioned. Baltimore also recalled left-handed pitcher Donnie Hart, while Vidal Nuño was optioned in a corresponding move.

While Nuno said following Monday's game he has been dealing with nagging injuries, an MRI on Tuesday came back clean.
The addition of Hart gives the Orioles another lefty in the bullpen to go with Richard Bleier, while Gentry should give the O's a speed option and adds some stout defense.