Reds closer Aroldis Chapman ready for rehab assignment

Apr 11, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman (54) sits in the dugout during the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Great American Ball Park. (Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports)

I believe we all recall the frightening video and/or images of Aroldis Chapman taking a Salvador Perez line drive off the head. Seems the Cuban Missile is getting closer to launch.

According to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, Chapman tossed another live batting practice today and proclaimed himself ready to a minor league rehab assignment later this week. He believes about four or five games will be needed to be ready for action with Cincinnati.

During the session, Chapman threw 25 pitches to a trio of teammates. He concentrated more on his breaking stuff rather than his fastball. Why? Here’s Chapman through interpreter Tomas Vera (via Sheldon):

"“I was working more with them because I know I have my fastball. I’ve got the feeling of my fastball. I need to keep working with my breaking pitch.”"

We are all well aware of the fastball. Over his career, Brooks Baseball notes an average fastball velocity of 99.03 mph.

Tentatively, the Reds plan is having Chapman pitch on Thursday night in Single-A Dayton. The likely event there, should it happen, is that Chapman start and pitch one inning. He could be scheduled to come in later in the game for a specific inning should this plan not come to fruition.

Like the Dayton Dragons need another reason to have a sellout. They’re approaching #1,000…in a row.