Orioles icon Zack Britton still mystified by Buck Showalter’s 2016 bullpen use in latest interview

While the Baltimore Orioles are in the midst of a new era that has seen them burst onto the scene as a legitimate contender, connections are still being made to the Orioles contenders of the past decade.

Appearing on Foul Territory TV on Tuesday, former Orioles closer and recently retired Zack Britton was asked about the controversial decision to leave him in the bullpen in the 11th inning of the 2016 AL Wild Card Game, and Britton is still puzzled by the move.

Zack Britton is still wondering about him being left in the bullpen in the 2016 AL Wild Card Game

Leaving Britton in the bullpen ended up being Buck Showalter and the Orioles undoing, as Ubaldo Jimenez gave up a walk off home run to Edwin Encarnacion and the Blue Jays sent the Orioles home for the winter.

Britton had one of the best seasons a relief pitcher has ever had in baseball in 2016. He allowed just one home run and four earned runs all season, giving him a sub-1 ERA and WHIP while he also led the AL in saves with 47, ranking second in all of baseball.

While Britton didn't bash Showalter for the move, he did say he has never had a real conversation with Showalter about the move, and it would be fascinating for him to know why Showalter decided not to bring him in. When Showalter was asked about it later on Foul Territory, he simply said "you have to wear it" and moved on.

It does feel strange that Britton is still being asked about what happened over seven years ago, but his answer didn't exactly help put out the fire. It shows that no one truly knows the rationale behind the infamous decision except for Showalter himself, and it doesn't seem like he is willing to share his reasoning.