New York Yankees: Aroldis Chapman Joins Club Monday
By Joe Perri
The New York Yankees will be getting All Star reliever, Aroldis Chapman, back on the active roster tonight. Only time will tell if Chapman can assist in turning their season around.
On December 28th, 2015 the New York Yankees traded for All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman. With the addition of Chapman, GM Brian Cashman envisioned a ‘three headed monster’ with Andrew Miller, Dellin Betances and the former Cincinnati Reds closer back-ending the bullpen.
A little over two months after the acquisition, Chapman received a 30 game suspension under the new domestic violence policy mandated by Major League Baseball. Fast forward two more months from the suspension, and here we are today with Aroldis Chapman finally set to join his new ball-club.
Following their worst start to a season in over 25 years, the Yankees took two of three games from the Boston Red Sox in their weekend series at home, now finding themselves 6.5 games back of first place in the AL East.
The Bronx Bombers also get their flamethrower back just in time for a four game set with the defending champion, Kansas City Royals, starting tonight.
Joe Girardi has said that Chapman will be the closer when he returns from suspension, and he’s sticking with it: “He is our closer,” Girardi said. “I trust that he’s ready. He’s definitely had plenty of time. Hopefully I get to use him on Monday.”
"Chapman, Miller, and Betances were the only three relievers in baseball to surpass 100 strikeouts in 2015. On Monday, Joe Girardi will finally have his bullpen at full strength."
So what does this all mean? The addition of Chapman could prove to be vital towards a possible playoff push for the Yankees. The back end of the bullpen has been spectacular thus far with both Betances and Miller combining for 47 strikeouts in 25 innings.
The problem with the bullpen has been everyone else. Johnny Barbato and Chasen Shreve were supposed to be the bridge to the two stud relievers, but both have had their struggles. Shreve and Barbato have a combined era of 5.33. As Joe Girardi would say, “It’s not what you want.”
Beatances and Miller can both pitch the seventh and eighth innings, paving the way for Chapman in the ever crucial ninth innings. Barbato and Shreve may not have a role any longer if the Yankees’ starters can get past five innings.
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From here on out, the goal for the New York Yankees will be to have a lead going into the sixth inning. If they can do that, they’ll have a great shot at winning ballgames. Only time will tell if the addition of Aroldis Chapman can help turn this season around for the Yanks.