New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman is set to begin his journey back to the Bronx and could throw on the pinstripes in about a week.
When the New York Yankees begin their West Coast swing next week, flamethrowing closer Aroldis Chapman, who was placed on the disabled list retroactive to May 13 with left rotator cuff tendinitis, may join them when they make a stop in the Bay Area.
According to the YES Network, Chapman will pitch in a simulated game before taking part in a minor-league rehab assignment for the Double-A Trenton Thunder. Trenton will play at home this weekend before heading to Hartford next Tuesday through Thursday for a three-game road trip.
Barring any setbacks, the 29-year-old could join the Yankees on June 15-18 when they take on the Oakland Athletics — who are in last place in the American League West division with a record of 26-33.
In 14 appearances this season, Chapman owns a 3.55 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 12.2 innings of work. Over his last two outings before hitting the DL, he let up a combined four earned runs in 1.1 innings (27.00 ERA) against the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros.
Filling in has been Dellin Betances, who has done a tremendous job as New York’s interim closer. In six starts since Chapman’s injury, the three-time All-Star is 5-for-5 in save opportunities and hasn’t allowed a single earned run while striking out 11 of the 21 batters faced.
Jacoby Ellsbury is "moving in the right direction" as he continues to battle concussion symptoms, @M_Marakovits reports. pic.twitter.com/aM6uDcfJyh
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) June 7, 2017
