The New York Yankees are scheduled to face off against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday evening, a re-scheduled game after several players tested positive with COVID-19 last week. The Phillies played against the Miami Marlins Opening Day weekend and had to postpone their games leading up the beginning of this week.
The Yankees are coming off a series sweep against the Boston Red Sox where slugger Aaron Judge absolutely dominated. He has hit home runs in five consecutive games and has two game-winning long-balls over the past four days.
He will be looking to extend his streak and continue performing against Philadelphia. However, the Yankees received more good news, aside from their 7-1 record over the weekend.
New York Yankees will game back there Star closer as soon:
The Bombers will, fortunately, have closer Aroldis Chapman back in the bullpen soon. This will allow Zack Britton to slide into a relief-role once more, and after Tommy Kahnle went down with Tommy John surgery, they will desperately need Britton’s arm.
Manager Aaron Boone spoke to reporters before the Yankees’ final game against the Red Sox on Sunday evening, stating:
“He might be throwing a bullpen (Monday). We’ll see where he’s at (Sunday). He’s doing great. Everything’s gone well. He’s thrown back-to-back days. The hope is that he’ll get on the mound (Monday).â€
Chapman has been on the COVID-19 injured list since July 11. Pictures of him at the stadium several days ago showed a jacked closer. Chapman has been working out consistently and his New York City apartment, and he has certainly put on some extra muscle mass. Somehow, he might actually emerge as a more athletic and stronger player ‘after’ COVID-19 than before it.
Chapman is a staple in the Yankees’ bullpen and will be relied upon for the remainder of the 2020 campaign. After eight games, the Yankees are rolling, and he will only make them stronger.