Chapman's 1st bullpen session for Yankees turns into event

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Aroldis Chapman's first bullpen session with the New York Yankees quickly turned into quite an event.

That what happens to a routine throwing session early in spring training when someone routinely throws over 100 mph.

The new closer threw 26 pitches to Brian McCann on Saturday, drawing a large crowd of team officials ranging from general manager Brian Cashman to guest instructor and Hall of Fame reliever Goose Gossage.

''I was just getting sun, buddy,'' Cashman joked. ''I think the fans should be excited by the guys at the back of our bullpen.''

Chapman, through a translator, said the throwing session ''felt great.''

''For me, it's something that's normal,'' he said. ''It doesn't matter to me who's watching or who's not watching. My job is to get the job done and focus on my pitches.''

Following the acquisition of Chapman from Cincinnati in December, Andrew Miller is moving from closer to a setup role alongside Dellin Betances.

''It hit when we were all in the bullpen,'' McCann said. ''It's got a chance to be something special.''

Miller converted 36 of 38 save opportunities last season, while Betances had an 1.50 ERA over a career-high 74 games.

''It's a nice luxury,'' Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.

The bullpen trio all threw together on mounds behind the right-field corner at Steinbrenner Field, where overhead walkways were lined by fans.

Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said Friday that he expects to have a decision within a few days on two of the first three cases covered by the sport's new domestic violence policy.

Major League Baseball has been investigating Chapman, Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes and Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig.

Chapman hopes the decision on his case is nearing.

''Honestly, the sooner the better,'' Chapman said.

Chapman is under investigation for an incident at his house in Florida in October involving his girlfriend. Chapman is alleged to have fired a gun during the incident.

Prosecutors declined to file charges. Chapman has said he would appeal any suspension to baseball's arbitrator, his right under the policy.

''I have full trust in Major League Baseball with whatever they decide to be in the best interest of the sport,'' Cashman said.

OVERSHADOWED BIG MAN

CC Sabathia was the fourth member of the bullpen group that included Chapman. It was Sabathia's first outdoor mound session.

''Got a little gassed at the end, which is normal,'' Sabathia said. ''I feel healthy. I feel good.''

The left-hander was 6-10 with a 4.73 ERA last year, when he was slowed by his surgically repaired right knee. After returning from the disabled list and using a tighter brace, he went 2-1 with a 2.17 ERA in his last five starts.

Sabathia entered an alcohol rehabilitation program last October.

NOTES: Girardi joked that you feel ''tiny'' with Betances (6-foot-8), Miller (6-7), Sabathia (6-6) and Chapman (6-4) on the mound. ''Pretty impressive tall group there,'' Cashman added. ''I should call my buddy at Siena, Jimmy Patsos head basketball coach, and tell him: You need some size, I've got size for you.'' ... Masahiro Tanaka was among the pitchers who ran on a hill that was added on a back field this year.