Aroldis Chapman Makes Spectacular Play After Getting Hit On Foot To Complete Red Sox Victory Over Braves

Aroldis Chapman delivered an outstanding 2025 campaign for the Boston Red Sox to help the franchise end a four-year playoff drought. However, the Red Sox have a massive challenge to reach the postseason this year. Nevertheless, Chapman remains just as dominant for Boston as he was last season.

On Saturday, Aroldis Chapman collected his 10th save of the 2026 campaign, helping the Boston Red Sox edge the Atlanta Braves 3-2 to level the rivalry series at Truist Park. The 38-year-old left-hander recorded two quick outs in the ninth inning before getting into a bases-loaded jam. But Chapman secured the win for his team with a spectacular defensive play to end the inning.

Ha-Seong Kim came up to the plate to potentially walk it off for the Braves with the winning run in scoring position. After going 0-2 ahead in the count, Chapman delivered a 98 mph sinker to the low outside corner of the strike zone. Forced to defend his zone, Kim swung his bat for a fierce comebacker straight at the Red Sox pitcher, knocking him to the ground.

The ball struck the southpaw directly on his left foot, dribbling off towards the first base line. He lifted himself off the turf instantly before sprinting to make a quick grab and flip to first base. With the runner at third already reaching home plate, Kim made a desperate lunge to complete the hit. But he did not beat the throw, and Chapman eventually recorded the final out of the game.

Red Sox Slugger Praises Game-Ending Play From Aroldis Chapman

Willson Contreras collected the flip from Aroldis Chapman at first base to complete the game-ending play in the 3-2 win over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night. The Boston Red Sox slugger praised the eight-time All-Star reliever for his athleticism in completing that difficult play.

“What was going through my mind is, ‘Chapman, please make the out,’” Contreras said after the game. “A great play even with the ball hitting him that hard.

“It’s not an easy play to do for him as such a big guy. I’m glad he was able to do that.”