Yankees manager Aaron Boone: 'Probably leaning more towards Friday' for activating Aroldis Chapman off IL
It's been over one month since New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman went on the injured list with left Achilles tendinitis. The Yankees haven't missed a beat without the seven-time All-Star, though, as they still have the best record (55-20) in baseball by a wide margin and lead the AL East by a whopping 12 1/2 games.
Even without the flame-throwing southpaw, New York's bullpen has thrived, led by replacement closer Clay Holmes. The 29-year-old has registered a 4-0 record with a team-leading 13 saves and has posted an otherworldly 0.50 ERA and 0.75 WHIP over 35 2/3 innings pitched while collecting 38 strikeouts.
Holmes is reportedly expected to retain the closer's role, though Chapman should apparently be back with the club any day now.
Prior to the injury, Chapman had gone 0-2 and recorded nine saves while registering a 3.86 ERA and 1.64 WHIP with 15 strikeouts over 14 innings pitched. He went through the entire month of April and through his first 12 outings of the season without allowing a run before hitting a scuffle.
Chapman was scored upon in his last five games prior to going on the IL.
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