The New York Yankees are only several days away from postseason baseball, and they need all of their players to be healthy and readily available.
A shortened season can rely heavily on hot streak’s and momentum, something the Yankees currently have coming off a ten-game win streak. However, several weeks ago, Aroldis Chapman through a 101 mph fastball at Tampa Bay Rays’ Mike Brosseau’s head — things weren’t going as smoothly.
Chapman had only made several appearances since being reinstated from the injured list. He had dealt with COVID-19 prior to his return but was mostly asymptomatic during the process. The fastball he threw required a hearing with the MLB for consequences. However, his hearing has been pushed back for unknown reasons.
Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone commented on the situation.
“Sounds like a chance of that it will go into next year,’’ Boone said. “But then again I haven’t been told anything officially. I am treating it that he is with us and if something comes up between now and then we will adjust, but I am planning on him being with us.’’
So far this season, Chapman has made 11 appearances, earning a 3.72 ERA. As a closer, you expect Chapman to be a dominant force that can be depended on at the end of games. He’s allowed six hits and four runs over 9.2 innings, which is a bit problematic considering his past success. Over a greater sample size, I would expect that Chapman would be a lot more effective, but an abbreviated season certainly doesn’t help anybody’s numbers.
“I feel great, feel like he is in a good place and feel like he has been throwing the ball well,’’ Boone said regarding Chapman’s availability for the remainder of the regular season. “Really pleased where he is at in this point of the season and looking forward to him playing a huge role hopefully this final week and into October.’’