Yankees’ Aroldis Chapman Plans to Appeal if Suspended

New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman told reporters today that he plans to appeal any suspension he may receive from Major League Baseball.

The Yankees acquired Chapman in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for minor-league players Caleb Cotham, Rookie Davis, Eric Jagielo and Tony Renda. They got him off the clearance rack as he had domestic violence allegations on his plate.

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Chapman allegedly choked his girlfriend and fired eight gunshots in his garage after an argument with his girlfriend. Police did not to press charges.

Although the charge did not hold up in the court of law, Major League Baseball and it’s new domestic violence policy could still initiate some sort of discipline (in the area of 15-20 games). The players’ association are in agreement to letting commissioner Rob Manfred suspend a player even if there are no charges.

“I understand that everybody is worried about this issue,” Chapman said today. “I understand that everybody wants to know, but it is something that is out of my hands. My main focus is to play baseball. I feel great. I’m happy to be here. I can’t wait to get started.”

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Manager Joe Girardi named Chapman the Yankees’ closer, moving Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances to a setup role in what could be the best bullpen in baseball.