Boone must help Chapman
Relief pitchers get into a rhythm. They become accustomed to pitching in two games per series. That’s when Chapman thrives, compared to when he has more rest.
In the past, Chapman pitched at his highest level when he gets a single day of rest. That’s been the routine. And with a plethora of reliable relievers, Boone needs to contemplate about Chapman’s pitching plan.
David Robertson provides insurance in the ninth inning. Even though he enjoyed a career-year setting up Chapman last season, he can potentially fill in when necessary.
Thus, while the Yankees should primarily use Chapman in the ninth, they don’t need to force him to contribute three nights in a row. It will help him stay fresh, even if it diminishes his numbers a bit.
Overall, the southpaw is still overpowering no matter how many days of rest he gets. But his potency perishes when he has no rest. Half of the hits he allowed when receiving no rest were for extra bases.
However, when the lefty receives too much rest, he looks rusty, yielding more walks and baserunners. That was the case in the past as well. Chapman allows more walks in fewer at-bats when New York gives him more than three days of rest.
Boone has to find his closer’s sweet spot. With a multitude of late-inning weapons on the bump, he shouldn’t feel pressured to go to Chapman when players get on base.
But if the hard-thrower is on one day’s rest, it may be best for the Yankees if he’s on the mound.