The New York Yankees‘ battered bullpen received some really good news on Friday.
They are getting back a potentially dominant reliever in Aroldis Chapman.
“Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves: •Returned from rehab and reinstated LHP Aroldis Chapman (#54) from the 15-day injured list. •Designated RHP Ryan Weber for assignment,” the Yankees tweeted on Friday afternoon.
Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
•Returned from rehab and reinstated LHP Aroldis Chapman (#54) from the 15-day injured list.
•Designated RHP Ryan Weber for assignment.— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 16, 2022
Weber has been good whenever he has been called upon, but once again is giving up his roster spot in favor of a veteran.
Chapman will need to show that the strides he was making before being placed on the 15-day injured list can last.
The left-hander fireballer will return to the Yankees bullpen ahead of Friday’s series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Chapman Is Looking For Consistency
He had been out since late August due to a left leg infection stemming from a tattoo.
His 2022 numbers as a whole have been extremely disappointing: he owns a 4.70 ERA, a 1.44 WHIP, and a 35/22 K/BB ratio in 30.2 innings.
That’s far from his career norms, but ever since MLB banned sticky stuff last year, he has seen his control erode and his ERA rise.
He has also been injured a lot in the last two years, too.
The Yankees need vintage Chapman if they want to make sure they can embark on a deep playoff run.
When he is healthy and effective, he can take care of the ninth inning and leave Clay Holmes, Wandy Peralta, Ron Marinaccio and other top relievers as “fireman” options whenever there is a fire.
He will have a couple of weeks before the regular season is up to return to top form for the playoffs.
