Cincinnati Reds’ Dusty Baker to make final decision about Aroldis Chapman’s return – MLB News
Cincinnati Reds' pitching Coach Bryan Price stated on Friday, September 21, that the decision on when closer Aroldis Chapman will return to the mound lies in the hand of manager Dusty Baker. Aroldis Chapman was shut-down on September 10 after shoulder fatigue.
"He's felt good. Chappy feels good to go," Price said of the Chapman. "This is Dusty's team, he has to make the decisions on who he would consider using and not using. I'm going to talk with Dusty first before we move forward."
Dusty Baker is in a Chicago hospital for treatment for an irregular heartbeat. The Reds hope Dusty will be back by Saturday, as the club is looking forward to winning in the second match of the three-game series which will make their clinching the National League Central title official.
Chapman’s return, on the other hand, as the pitching coach highlighted, is in the hands of Baker. Earlier, there were reports that Chapman may turn up on the mound this weekend. However, that does not seem likely now.
But there are indications that Timothy Kremchek, the team medical doctor and acting manager Chris Speier can also have a say in it.
It is also pertinent to note that Chapman has now thrown mini sessions and is said to be feeling quite better. Speier said if he saw an opportunity to use Chapman, he will not hesitate.
"If he's available, and there's an opportunity to use him, I'm not going to hesitate," Speier said. "I don't know what role that I would put him in the first time back. It'd be good to get him back out on the mound and I'm sure he's champing at the bit to do that."
All that indicates that while the return is around the corner, it is not known yet when exactly will he be part of the line-up to pitch. Chapman has remained instrumental in saving more than 30 games for the Reds this season. That is what the Reds have in the mind as the postseason games near. The Reds hope Chapman’s return after fatigue will unleash a tough time for their rivals.
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