Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman dealing with non-COVID-related illness

In normal circumstances, Aroldis Chapman would've come in to pitch the seventh and final inning of Thursday's 5-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Instead, it was Chad Green who closed out the game.

After the win, there were questions about Chapman's availability moving forward. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the left-hander didn't pitch due to an illness.  

"He's been sick the last two days. He wasn't available at all today," Boone said, according to SNY. "He's just been sick."

Boone went on to say that the team does not believe his illness is COVID-related as Chapman has been tested several times. 

"He's taken a lot of tests in the last couple of days, and we don't believe it is that, no," he said. "We just believe he got a bug and think he's hopefully coming around. I know the second half of the day was a lot better. He's gone under a number of tests at least he last few days, and we think we're okay there."

The Yankees are hoping Chapman will return Friday as the club opens a three-game set against the Detroit Tigers. 

Chapman has been one of the best closers in Major League Baseball this season. The 33-year-old is 4-0 with a 0.47 ERA, 0.737 WHIP and 37 strikeouts in 19 innings. He's also credited will 11 saves in 19 games. 

The Yankees are third in the AL East with a 29-21 record. The Tampa Bay Rays lead the division with a 32-20 record and the Boston Red Sox are second with a 30-20 record.