Britton could make all the difference in AL Wild Card

The biggest news to come out of Monday’s workout day in Toronto was that the Orioles’ Chris Tillman would be opposing the Blue Jays’ Marcus Stroman to begin the American League Wild Card Game on Tuesday (TBS and Sportsnet, 8 p.m. ET). But one could argue that just as much attention should be paid to who will be on the mound at the end of the game.

That’s because the Orioles may have a serious advantage if they’re able to trot out their best pitcher to close out the game.

Date Time Matchup TV Oct. 4 8 p.m. ET BAL @ TOR TBS/SNET/RSN Shop for postseason gear: Orioles | Blue Jays • Complete Postseason coverage

Starting pitchers averaged just 5 2/3 innings per game this season, and bullpens have meant more than ever in the Wild Card Game era. Relief pitchers have won 41.3 percent of postseason games played since 2012.

With that in mind, closer Zach Britton could be critical to the Orioles’ chances on Tuesday and potentially beyond. Britton unequivocally enjoyed one of the best seasons we’ve ever seen from a reliever, and has a legitimate case to become the first relief pitcher to win a Cy Young Award since Eric Gagne in 2003. That’s fitting, seeing how Britton just joined Gagne in some exclusive company.

.@zbritton finished the regular season in record-breaking style.Now we try to make sense of it. pic.twitter.com/NpkRe0lFKD

— MLB Stat of the Day …

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