Cincinnati Reds decide to rest Aroldis Chapman in Thursday’s game –MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker seems to have decided not to play Aroldis Chapman in Thursday’s game against Washington National. Although motivated, the Reds’ setup man will have rest in this game.
This comes at a time when Chapman pitched two scoreless innings against the defending World Series champion, the St. Louis Cardinals. Having the best hitters in the team, the Cardinals could not score a run in Chapman’s two-inning spell as he went on to
have five strikeouts to his credit.
With such an amazingly good performance, whereby the setup man had his force and effectiveness intact, and making absolute use of them, the player may well be rested in Friday’s game – so it seems at this juncture.
The team manager Dusty Baker has his reason to offer for it.
"If he had gone one inning, it'd be a different story. He'd be available today," Baker said. "We treat him like every other reliever, but we have a lot invested in the guy --time, future and money. We're always aware of that."
Chapman came forward as one of the best discoveries of the team. The 24 year old had demonstrated his excellence as the starter in the Spring Training.
If any evidence on his strength as a proficient reliever is required, he has shown it in the three games he has played so far, pitching five scoreless innings with complimentary 2-0 record in the season so far.
With such a performance, is the team considering playing him as the starter if need arises? The team manager does not rule out its possibility.
"That's not the real thought process, but logically speaking, it's possible," Baker said. "Just think how valuable he's been where he is. We've got three victories, and he's got two of them, and a hold. It's not that you want to continue this trend, but
you take these victories when you can, especially early."
For now, as the player puts himself, Chapman is all good with his role as the setup man. While he is ready to pitch as starter, it entirely depends on the team how they go about it in the days to come.
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