Cincinnati Reds' Aroldis Chapman back in the bullpen – MLB News
Cincinnati Reds' acting manager Chris Speier said on Sunday, September 23, that the club is easing their closer Aroldis Chapman back into the action with an opportunity to pitch on Saturday. Chapman appeared in his first game since September 10 on Saturday, playing against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"I think we're definitely easing him back into that situation," Chris Speier said. "It may be another time or two out of the bullpen, and then see what happens."
Reds are being extraordinarily cautious while fully aware of the significance Chapman’s presence in the bullpen has. Entering into the playoffs, Chapman will be key to the club’s solid and less vulnerable bullpen.
Saturday’s appearance, wherein he pitched a scoreless ninth with the club’s 6-0 win over the Dodgers, served as something reassuring and confidence-building for both Chapman and the club as a whole given the challenges lying ahead.
Speier did allude to this aspect while talking about the performance of Chapman in the game against the Dodgers.
"I thought he looked good," Speier said. "I was happy that when he was off the strike zone, it was down. That's a good sign. He's getting out front and staying on top of the ball. I know he was anxious to get back out there and it was a good position for him to kind of have a soft landing, just to go out there and get that inning in.”
Chapman was shut-down on September 10 after the complaints of shoulder fatigue. His two last appearance back then were far from satisfactory as it was evident Chapman had been struggling.
Reds then had to reset bullpen, making some inevitable changes so as to keep the bullpen intact. That strategy worked out. With the shoulder fatigue receding, Chapman was back on the mound on Wednesday.
This season, Chapman has 35 saves to his credit in the 65 games that he has appeared, holding a 5-5 record with 1.57 ERA. As playoffs near, the Reds hope Chapman will remain instrumental in the club’s efforts and aspirations to clinch the World Series this time round.
Tags: