Yankees place Aroldis Chapman on 10-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation
The New York Yankees have placed closer Aroldis Chapman on the 10-day disabled list with left shoulder rotator cuff inflammation, the team announced on Sunday morning.
Chapman has struggled in recent appearances after blowing a 4–1 lead to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in the 18-inning marathon on May 7. He then surrendered an earned run and three hits in Friday night's 5–1 loss to the Houston Astros. Chapman exited the game in the middle of the inning while being tended to by the team trainer and manager Joe Girardi. He underwent an MRI on Saturday morning that did not show any evidence of damage to his shoulder.
Chapman told reporters that discomfort started in an appearance against Boston last month. He also felt similar discomfort in 2012 as a member of the Reds.
"I'm not worried about it," Chapman said. "I believe with the treatment I'm going to get in the coming weeks, I should be fine."
Chapman is now 0–1 with seven saves and a 3.55 ERA in 14 games. He signed a five-year deal worth $86 million in December, which made him the highest-paid closer in history.
According to MLB's Statcast, Chapman's average fastball velocity has slightly dipped from 100.9 miles per hour last year to 98.2 in 2017.
The Yankees recalled pitcher Chad Green from Triple-A to bolster their bullpen in Chapman's absence. The team will likely turn to Dellin Betances as closer. Betances is 3–1 with a 0.77 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 11.2 innings.
- Chris Chavez
