Britton has modified TJ with eye on swift return

Zack Britton began physical therapy Tuesday after his season-ending elbow surgery earlier this month.

The left-hander’s UCL surgery was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who used a slightly different technique for Tommy John surgery. Britton hopes that will allow him to be back in the Yankees’ bullpen in the latter part of next season.

“I felt like the Yankees [and general manager Brian] Cashman took a shot on me and I want to hold up my end of the bargain,’’ Britton said.

Britton has another year on his contract after the Yankees picked up the $14 million option for 2022 in order to prevent him from becoming a free agent last season.

He battled COVID-19 in the offseason, then had surgery to remove a bone chip from his left elbow during spring training. Even when seemingly healthy, Britton struggled on the mound.

“I want to be the guy I have been before this season,’’ Britton said. “I think it’s gonna work out in the end.”

Jonathan Loaisiga is making progress to get back on the mound before the season ends. The Yankees’ most effective reliever, out since Sept. 5 with a strained rotator cuff, played catch from 120 feet on Tuesday and is in line to throw a bullpen session Friday if everything goes according to plan.

Manager Aaron Boone said he was “very encouraged” by what he saw from the right-hander.

It’s possible he could be back in time for the huge series against the Blue Jays that begins Tuesday.

➤ With Luis Severino making his season debut Tuesday in the

7-1 win over the Rangers, the Yankees have used a franchise-high 59 players this season, breaking the record of 58 set in 2014. … The Yankees have homered in 14 straight games, their longest stretch since another 14-game stretch in 2019. They hit three Tuesday, including a 118-mph laser from Giancarlo Stanton, as well as an opposite-field shot by Aaron Judge and a towering solo homer from Joey Gallo.

➤ Just over a week since the Yankees shook up their infield — moving Gleyber Torres to second base, DJ LeMahieu to third and Gio Urshela to shortstop — Boone said he believes it has gone “pretty well” so far.