Aroldis Chapman Returns to New York Yankees Bullpen

On March 1, Major League Baseball suspended New York Yankees reliever Aroldis Chapman for 30 games following a violation of the league’s domestic violence policy.  Today, Chapman is set to return to the Bronx.

Aroldis Chapman‘s 30-game suspension, which was shortened to 29 due to a rain out in the first week of the season, is over and Chapman is available to return to the bump Monday night where the New York Yankees will be in the Bronx against the Kansas City Royals.

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Chapman has been getting some work in, albeit against lesser competition, facing minor leaguers during extended spring training games in Florida.  His last outing in Tampa was on May 7, where he pitched and caught a flight to New York to prepare for his May 9 return to the Yankees.

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Following his return to the Bronx, Chapman met with the New York media at Yankee Stadium on Sunday afternoon.  Upon being asked if Yankee Stadium and its fans will bring out the best in him, Chapman replied with the following:

“I try to give my best every single time that I go out there and that’s what I’d like to do. I like to give my best and put on a good show for the fans.”

And that’s exactly what the Yankee faithful will expect: His best.  “The Cuban Missile,” if you will.  The man throwing fastballs in excess of 100 mph and a slider that will make opposing batters look silly.

Aroldis Chapman 101-mph

As far as Chapman’s role with the New York Yankees goes, nothing has changed since Joe Girardi named him closer in spring training.  The plan is to demote Andrew Miller to set up along side Dellin Betances. When asked about it on Saturday, Girardi replied, “He’s our closer.”

Chapman has a tall order in front of him.  Miller has been lights out in the closing role.  11.2 shutout innings.  He is six-for-six in save opportunities, but has pitched in 12 games, sporting a 0.00 ERA with 20 strikeouts and just one walk.

On any given night, Chapman, Miller and Betances should each be able to get three-to-four outs.  It would help the Yankees limit the amount other relievers get the ball and keep them fresh for long relief situations that unfortunately at this rate, seem inevitable.

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Fans of the New York Yankees should expect to see a little rust on Chapman for the first night or two, and he might have to shake out the jitters of his first game donning the pinstripes in the Bronx.  And let’s not forget, it’s against the World Champion Royals.

Either way, Chapman is a gamer.  Don’t be surprised if he comes in pitches lights out, and strikes out the side in the ninth.  It’s just what he does.