Yankees reliever Zack Britton returns to IL for third time this season

ATLANTA — Zack Britton’s nightmare 2021 season continued Monday when the lefthanded reliever was placed on the injured list with a left elbow sprain.

"On Sunday he had some inflammation in there," manager Aaron Boone said Monday afternoon. "Yesterday he went and got an MRI."

Britton has struggled throughout the season, on the mound and physically. He has a 5.89 ERA in 22 outings, and this is the third time he has been put on the IL this season.

His velocity has been down pretty much all year and his control has been a consistent issue.

After recovering from a bad bout with COVID-19, he started the season on the IL after undergoing surgery March 15 to remove a bone chip in his left elbow. He returned June 12, only to be out from June 26-July 15 with a left hamstring strain.

"I feel for Zack because I know how hard he’s worked to get back," Boone said. "I know he’s frustrated."

Urshela is close

Gio Urshela, who started a rehab assignment Sunday with Double-A Somerset, is likely to play another couple of rehab games before joining the Yankees in Oakland for their four-game series against the Athletics that begins Thursday. Urshela has been out since Aug. 1 with a left hamstring strain.

Gleyber report

Boone said Gleyber Torres, out since Aug. 9 with a left thumb sprain, is scheduled to report on Tuesday to Somerset, where he will work out with the Double-A club through the weekend. Boone said the hope is the shortstop will be able to start a rehab assignment early next week.

Voit: Player of week

Luke Voit was named the American League Player of the Week after going 10-for-21 (.476) with two homers, 11 RBIs, three doubles and five runs in six games.

Roster moves

Righthanded reliever Clay Holmes was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list. The Yankees also recalled outfielder Jonathan Davis from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.