Yankees Closer Aroldis Chapman Lands On 10-Day Disabled List With Balky Knee
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- In a second half that's tested the fortitude of players and fans alike, the injury bug has claimed another vital piece of the Yankees' puzzle.
The team announced Wednesday they're placing closer Aroldis Chapman on the 10-day disabled list with left knee tendinitis after yanking the hard-throwing lefty from Tuesday night's game against the Miami Marlins.
Chapman walked Miami's Isaac Galloway leading off the 12th, threw a wild 96 mph fastball to the next batter and signaled to the dugout. After consulting with the trainer he left the game, and Tommy Kahnle came on to earn his first save since 2016.
The southpaw joins a crowded infirmary, with team cornerstones Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, and Didi Gregorius already sidelined with various injuries.
Manager Aaron Boone said he expected Chapman back for the final stretch for the season. Chapman said he hoped he would be ready to pitch again as soon as he's eligible.
"That's what you hope for — that it's only 10 days," the Cuban left-hander said through a translator. "We've got to rest and see how the knee reacts."
Chapman said his knee discomfort dates back to May, but this is his first stint on the DL this year. The diagnosis came after he underwent an MRI, and he'll fly to New York for further examination Friday.
"I'm confident he's going to play a major factor for us down the stretch and hopefully in the postseason," Boone said. "I do think this is something we'll be able to manage, hopefully."
In Chapman's absence, closer duties will be shared by left-hander Zach Britton and right-handers Dellin Betances and David Robertson, Boone said.
"Depending on who we're playing, we'll kind of mix and match, I would assume, with those three guys," Boone said. "Obviously when you take a guy like Aroldis Chapman out of your bullpen, that's a blow, but we feel like we're equipped to handle it."
The Yankees recalled right-hander Chance Adams from Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre. He or Sonny Gray might start Saturday, when the Yankees play a doubleheader at Baltimore, Boone said.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
