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New York Yankees: Aroldis Chapman tests positive for COVID-19

By David Hill

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 18: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees in action against the Houston Astros in game five of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 18, 2019 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Astros 4-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 18: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees in action against the Houston Astros in game five of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 18, 2019 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Astros 4-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Just when the New York Yankees were starting to get healthy, they received the news that Aroldis Chapman has tested positive for COVID-19.

The 2019 season was a difficult one for the New York Yankees. At times, they seemed to have a AAA roster given all the injuries the lineup and pitching staff had suffered. The 2020 campaign was shaping up to be the same, until the shutdown allowed the team to get healthy heading into the abbreviated season.

However, as the Yankees are on the verge of having the likes of Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, and Masahiro Tanaka return, they have been hit once again. Closer Aroldis Chapman has tested positive for COVID-19, and is dealing with mild symptoms.

The fact that Chapman is reportedly doing well is a positive sign for his eventual return to the diamond. Nonetheless, the question of when that return will be able to happen is up in the air, as Chapman not only needs to remain in quarantine, but he also needs to recover and have consecutive negative tests for the virus.

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After a couple of up and down seasons, Chapman was closer to his dominant self in 2019. He posted 37 saves, along with a 2.21 ERA and a 1.105 WHiP. In his 57 innings, Chapman struck out 85 batters with just 25 walks, holding the opposition to a .537 OPS over 235 plate appearances.

With Chapman being sidelined indefinitely, the Yankees are still in good shape at closer. Zack Britton, the former Orioles All Star closer, can step in and take over for the foreseeable future. He had a solid 2019 campaign, posting a 1.91 ERA and a 1.141 WHiP, picking up three saves when Chapman was not available.

Britton was once one of the top closers in the game. He led the league with 47 saves in 2016, and recorded 120 saves from 2014 through 2016. While he has struggled with his command since his arm injuries in 2017 and 2018, Britton has also been able to keep the opposition from making contact, allowing just 6.8 hits per nine innings over the past three seasons.

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The New York Yankees have another option with Aroldis Chapman on the shelf. The question is how long he will be sidelined for, as he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is dealing with mild symptoms.

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