Aroldis Chapman Got His Spring Debut Bumped Back Wednesday and Yankee Fans Are Obviously Panicking
By Scott Rogust
The New York Yankees are dealing with a mass influx of injuries for the second year in a row, and fans are nervous when hearing any updates on their star players. Fortunately for them, they received non back-breaking news on Wednesday, but something new to give them pause nonetheless.
Manager Aaron Boone announced that closer Aroldis Chapman's Spring Training debut was pushed back until later this week. Chapman was expected to pitch on Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Phillies, but opted to throw a bullpen session instead.
Aroldis Chapman was originally scheduled to pitch against the Phillies on Wednesday night. Instead he threw a bullpen session. Asked if there was anything physically wrong with Chapman, Aaron Boone said no. Chapman could debut Friday night against the Orioles.
— George A. King III (@GeorgeAKingIII) March 4, 2020
Fans of the Bronx Bombers have been programmed to expect the worst, given how positive updates from Boone turn disastrous 24 hours later. But that seems not to be the case here, considering he threw in the bullpen. Hopefully, he just didn't feel properly ready yet.
As to when Chapman will take the mound for the first time this spring, that could come as early as Friday night against the Baltimore Orioles.
Aroldis Chapman playfully stares down Estevan Florial after striking him out with a fastball that hit approximately 1 million mph on the radar here. pic.twitter.com/pm9Sl7rXaO
— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) February 27, 2020
Chapman appeared in 60 games last season, where he successfully converted 37-of-42 save opportunities, and recorded a 2.21 ERA and 85 strikeouts.
The Yankees (and their pessimistic fanbase) are looking to exit Tampa without accruing any additional injuries. From the sounds of it, Chapman doesn't have any sort of ailment, and could make his debut later this week.