Drake

Britton

Britton, a 22-year-old southpaw, appeared on many prospect lists this time last year, but he posted an ugly 6.91 ERA and 89/55 K/BB ratio over 97 2/3 innings this season in the Carolina League. The Red Sox will hope for a rebound in 2012.

Britton was in big league camp with the Sox but never had a shot to make the Opening Day roster. The 23-year-old allowed three runs and walked four over 3 1/3 spring frames.

The arrest occurred at 4:42 a.m. in Fort Myers, Florida. Britton was clocked at 111 miles per hour in a 45 mph, resulting in him hopping a curb and driving into the woods. The 23-year-old left-hander was then scratched from a scheduled appearance Sunday and optioned to Double-A Portland on Monday.

The DUI and property damage charges are the most serious, and are punishable by jail time, a $1,000 fine or both. Britton faces a hearing on April 12. The 11th-ranked prospect in the Red Sox system according to Baseball America, he has been a full participant in minor league camp while awaiting word from a Florida court.

Britton has spent the entire year with the Tigers’ Triple-A affiliate, posting a 4.57 with 17 strikeouts and 21 walks over 41 1/3 innings. The suspension effectively ends his season.

He’ll serve as the 26th man for Thursday’s doubleheader against the Rays. Chris Capuano and Andrew Miller both pitched in the first game, so Britton could get the call depending on the situation.

Britton was the 26th man for Thursday’s doubleheader but didn’t make an appearance. He returns to a 1.29 ERA over 10 Triple-A appearances.

Britton had a shot to earn a major league job this spring but posted a 6.52 ERA and 1.55 WHIP over 9 2/3 innings of work. The 24-year-old will be among the first pitchers recalled if the Sox need pitching help this summer.

Britton held a 3.24 ERA with five strikeouts over 8 1/3 innings this spring. He’ll represent left-handed relief depth in the minors.

Britton held a 5.08 across 83 1/3 innings at Triple-A in the Cubs’ organization last season. Despite that rough showing, he’s still just 26 and is a solid depth arm.