Aroldis Chapman makes unfortunate New York Yankees history

One has to take the good with the bad with Aroldis Chapman. The New York Yankees closer can be one of the more dominant arms in the game, but there are also times when he simply has no idea where the ball is going. He has those stretches a couple of times a year, but eventually works his way out of it.

Chapman is in the midst of one of those moments right now. One night after walking three consecutive batters without recording an out, he allowed the winning run to score on a walk-off walk. With that ‘accomplishment,’ Chapman became the only reliever in the modern era to walk every hitter he faced (minimum of three batters faced) and issue a walk-off walk in his next appearance.

Aroldis Chapman makes unfortunate New York Yankees history

This is not the first time Chapman has issued a walk-off walk. His first time doing so happened back in 2017, his first season back with the Yankees. However, this outing on Friday puts him in unfortunate company as he has joined Wilcy Moore and Scott Proctor as the only Yankees to issue multiple walk-off walks in the past 100 years.

Chapman’s command issues had been a concern heading into the 2022 season. While he was an All Star closer again last year, and notched 30 saves, there were some warning signs. His 97 strikeouts in 56.1 innings were impressive, but he also issued 38 walks. One had to imagine that those command issues would be a problem, especially after the truncated spring training.

Nonetheless, Chapman’s job is safe. Michael King did get the save on Thursday when Chapman walked everyone he faced, but that is not going to be the case every night. The Yankees still have their closer; it is just a matter of his getting his command on track once again.

Aroldis Chapman made history with his lack of command. The New York Yankees have to hope that he is able to right the ship soon.