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New York Yankees: Aroldis Chapman notches milestone save

By David Hill

Aug 26, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) celebrates after defeating the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) celebrates after defeating the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /
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This time, it was a little chopper to second. Aroldis Chapman had done what he had done so many times before – come on in the ninth inning and preserve a victory. This time, it was the New York Yankees‘ 12th consecutive win, their longest winning streak since September 1961. Considering some of the impressive teams that the Yankees have had in that time, it is truly remarkable that they have gone nearly 60 years without a winning streak of that magnitude.

Thursday night’s save was a bit more special for Chapman than normal. With that final out, he became the 31st player in MLB history to notch his 300th career save, tying Bruce Sutter and Jason Isringhausen for 29th on the all time list.

New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman joins elite company

Chapman is not the same pitcher he was in his younger days. While his fastball still hits triple digits, he is not lighting up the radar guns at 105 MPH. He is not that force of nature any longer, occasionally looking human and leaving some fans to wonder if it is time for Jonathan Loaisiga to take over in the ninth inning.

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The numbers bear out the thought that Chapman is starting to slide. While his numbers are certainly respectable, as he has posted a 3.77 ERA with 72 strikeouts over his 43 innings, he has not been nearly as dominant. Not only is that ERA the highest of his career, but Chapman also has a career worst 1.419 WHiP, fueled by his 6.5 BB/9 rate.

Nonetheless, Chapman has still been able to get the job done. He has notched 24 saves in 28 attempts, and is likely on pace to record his eighth season with at least 30 saves. He still has that label as a Proven Closer, one who gets the benefit of the doubt regardless of any possible struggles.

None of that mattered on Thursday. It may not have been a vintage Chapman performance where he struck out the side and overmatched the opposition, but it still got the job done. Chapman closed the door on the Yankees’ 12th consecutive win, ensuring a victory as he had done 299 times before.

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Aroldis Chapman made history on Thursday night. The New York Yankees closer became the 31st player in MLB history to notch 300 saves.

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