Cincinnati Reds’ Aroldis Chapman looking to become a starter
The Cincinnati Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman said on Wednesday, March 14, that he is looking to be a starter for the team. Chapman who was slated to make a start for the Reds against the Padres in the Cactus League game had a good display of pitching.
It is worthwhile to mention here that the pitcher is an aspirant for the rotation. While the Reds have their adequate number of forceful and commanding pitchers available, the young left-handed Chapman makes an interesting case.
The Cactus League performance on Wednesday against the Padres was what he might have been expecting. Of the three innings that he pitched, Chapman allowed a homer and succeeded in having no walk.
The post game press talk did offer an insight into what the player intends to do and achieve in the days ahead.
"I've always been a starter and I always like to be a starter," Chapman said. "Right now, I'm here looking to be a starter and that's what I'd like to do."
Chapman came in the Reds after signing a deal worth $30.25 million. As to how strong the possibilities of his being in the rotation especially when there is presence of strong pitchers in the side, it is slightly difficult to speculate.
A lot, like the team manager Dusty Baker puts, depends on the health of the rest of the pitchers in the side.
"There's nothing I'm really looking at except a progression of quality performances," Baker said. "A lot of it depends on the health of the rest of the starting pitchers. Last year at this time it would have been a moot point, we'd lost so many guys.”
The moot point was the departure of Homer Bailey and Johnny Cueto owing to the injuries that they had at this point in time. If only Chapman was available back then, he would be a favourite contender for the spot.
However, much as things have changed lately, he still stands a chance to be in the rotation if there arises any unforeseen problem for any pitcher as far as injuries are concerned.
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