Britton 'really frustrated' as struggles with Yankees continue

Zach Britton has yet to have the type of impact that both he and the New York Yankees expected following a blockbuster trade last month.

The two-time All-Star reliever entered Saturday's appearance with a 4.76 ERA in 5 2/3 innings with the Yankees, and proceeded to struggle once again when called to pitch in the seventh. Britton retired the first two Texas Rangers he faced before allowing two singles and a walk to load the bases. He'd then walk another to bring in a run. Yankees manager Aaron Boone then was forced to summon Dellin Betances from the bullpen.

"It's about as frustrated as I've been throughout my career, right now," Britton told reporters following the 5-3 win. "It's frustrating. I'm really frustrated."

(Video courtesy: MLB.com)

Britton served as the Orioles closer and led the American League with 47 saves in 2016, but because of the Yankees star-studded bullpen, Britton works earlier in the game. Some pitchers have struggled adjusting to different roles, though he doesn't believe his struggles are related to working in non-save situations.

"I knew I was going to throw earlier in the game here so it's still an inning," Britton said. "We had a lead. I'm not out there thinking I'm throwing the seventh inning not the ninth."

Britton, instead, believes his struggles are more mental and are the result of returning from an offseason Achilles injury.

"Coming off the surgery, command has been the biggest struggle," Britton said. "It's something that I need to figure out quickly."