On Friday, the New York Yankees activated their relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman from the injures list. The southpaw pitcher has been on the sidelines for over a month due to lest Achilles tendinitis. Chapman has not pitched in the major league since May 2022. However, the 34-year-old recently appeared in two minor league rehab games for Double A-Somerset and Triple-A Scranton. The seven-time All-Star was 0-2 with an ERA of 3.86, along with nine saves in 17 matches before being added to the IL on May 24.
Meanwhile, Clay Holmes replaced Champman as the Yankees’ closer and is expected to continue fulfilling the responsibility. The 29-year-old is 4-0 with a 0.37 ERA, and 14 saves in 35 games this season. Thus, when Aroldis returns to the team, he might have to adjust his game in a new role. However, the Yankees manager Aaron Boone is not worried about the 2016 World Series champion.
Yankees Manager Suggests A New Role For Aroldis Chapman
Aroldis Chapman has been a closer for the most part of his MLB career. Thus, he might have to take up a new role on the team, with Holmes taking on the closer’s role. Boone said that he wanted Chapman to be in a regular pitching role, especially as a starter. The Bombers boss stated that Aroldis could be used in several ways, including middle innings, late, or to close. Aaron further pointed out that the game situation will dictate how the Yankees pitcher would be used, depending on low, medium, or high leverage scenarios. Boone added, “He could be closing because the game dictates it.”
The Yankees manager wants to get Chapman in situations where he could have the best opportunity to succeed. Moreover, Boone hoped Aroldis to get in a good rhythm where he would be punding in the strike zone and help the team get into a solid position. Aaron also revealed that he had already spoken to Aroldis Chapman and would keep the communication line open.
Meanwhile, Boone shared that the seven-time All-Star deserves respect in terms of communication. Hence, Aaron plans to be forthright as the Yankees head into the next game and see how Champman performs. The Bombers manager concluded, “But for right now, it;s just getting him back in and he’s ready for anything.”
The Yankees will now start a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians as the hoe to build up on their 56-21 record in the American League East standings. Hopefully, Chapman will get his comeback game in the major league against the Guardians on Saturday.