Yankees get big Aroldis Chapman boost as AL East race heats up

Thursday September 15, 2022

The New York Yankees are set to get a big boost as Aroldis Chapman is ready to enter the active roster. The Cuban-born relief pitcher was put on the injured list in August following a tattoo infection.

The southpaw is on his way as the Yankees near the AL East pennant with a six-game lead over the rays. It was confirmed by manager Aaron Boone, who told Bryan Hoch about the possibility of Chapman returning to the lineup as early as Friday.

Chapman was out after he hurt himself in a manner unthinkable. The left-handed pitcher who threw flames went for a tattoo on his leg, which caused a wound and consequent infection.

The Yankees were forced to put him on the injured list at the end of August retrospectively. Given how strange his illness was, his return schedule wasn’t clear.

Considering the absences that thinned their bullpen, New York has to be happy that Aroldis Chapman is coming back on Friday. There have been a lot of bullpen injuries for the team in the 2022 season

The Yankees could get some assistance in the form of another left-handed reliever in the days leading up to the playoffs as well. Aaron Boone has just recently updated us on Zack Britton’s situation.

“I know he’s (Britton) doing really well,” a visibly happy Boone said. He added, “I’ve not wanted to put that kind of pressure on the situation.; we’ll just see how the next several outings go for him and see if he’s a realistic option.”

The bullpen will immediately benefit from Aroldis Chapman’s return to action. However, if Britton can make a comeback, New York’s relief corps would gain the necessary additional depth they need as they prepare for the postseason.

At the time this story was written, the Yankees were six games ahead of the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East. Even though the division isn’t over yet, New York is moving in the right direction after the worst month in August. When Aroldis Chapman comes back, he will be an asset for the team looking for a pennant after years.

How do you rate Aroldis Chapman? Can he help the Yankees win the AL pennant?