Despite Chapman’s Woes, Yanks Can Still Make a Deep Playoff Run
Aroldis Chapman has really struggled of late. So much so that the New York Yankees have removed Chapman from his closer role. However, the Yanks can still ride their loaded bullpen to October baseball.
Something is clearly wrong with Aroldis Chapman. After resigning with the New York Yankees after a remarkable postseason run culminating in a World Series championship with the Chicago Cubs, Chapman stated that he felt that he was overused at times by Manager Joe Maddon. This year, there’s an issue with Chapman, and it’s alarming, to say the least.
After four straight ineffective appearances and multiple blown saves, Joe Girardi has decided to pull Chapman from the closer role and leave the position open.
Fireballers Dellin Betances, Tommy Kahnle, and David Robertson will take turns closing, depending on matchups. They will provide the security blanket that the Yankees desperately need in order to make the playoffs and continue their World Series aspirations.
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Last month’s trade between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox was originally deemed the trade for Todd Frazier. Now more than ever, the acquisitions of David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle are looking more valuable.
With Betances and Chapman, the Yankees bullpen ranked fourth in the majors with a 3.08 ERA. Since the additions of Kahnle and Robertson, the bullpen has gotten even better and the ERA has dropped to an incredible 2.41.
It’s scary to think what the New York Yankees position in the AL East would be if Chapman was the Chapman that we’re used to. With Chapman allowing five hits, seven runs, six walks, and two home runs in his last five appearances, you’d think we’d be talking about the Yankees possibly packing their bags and looking towards 2018.
Despite those cringing numbers, the bullpen has been phenomenal since the trade deadline. They’ve ranked first in ERA, innings pitched, and strikeout rate, and eighth in walk rate.
Opponents should be very wary while Kahnle, Betances, and Robertson carry the workload. They will enable Chapman to get his confidence up, pitch in less stressful situations, and get the swagger back that’s needed to be the closer during October baseball.
Next: New York Yankees: Playoff Pitching Scenario
For the New York Yankees and their fans, let’s hope that Aroldis Chapman goes back to the Chapman of old in time to close things out for World Series title No. 28.