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New York Yankees: 3 Pitchers who have to step up with Aroldis Chapman injured

By Nick Ziegler

May 14, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) reacts against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) reacts against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Yankees
Apr 30, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Dellin Betances (68) pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Dellin Betances

The most obvious player that needs to step up with Chapman out is Dellin Betances. It was not an easy offseason for Betances, as he and the management of the Yankees had some disagreements during the arbitration process.

So far, Betances hasn’t let that affect him on the field, as he is pitching excellent so far this season. In 14 games, Betances has allowed just one earned run, and he also already has three wins. The 0.75 ERA for Betances is certainly a reason why the Yankees are doing well, as he has been great in the setup role.

While we know how good Betances is as a setup man, we have seen him struggle as a closer. After the Yankees traded Andrew Miller and Chapman last season, Betances finally got a chance to be the closer. While he wasn’t awful, Betances also wasn’t the same pitcher at the end of the season in 2016 when asked to close.

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With Chapman possibly being out for a month, there could be a lot of save opportunities for Betances. The Yankees still have a pretty solid bullpen without Chapman, but a lot of the pressure with fall on the shoulder of Betances. He certainly has the stuff to be a great closer, now he’s got to prove it.

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