Aroldis Chapman is set to make one more rehab start before returning to the New York Yankees. The flame-throwing left-hander is working his way back from injury, however, the Yankees haven't missed a beat without him. The team continues to win on a consistent basis and the bullpen has been electric. Clay Holmes has been especially impressive. Holmes has accrued 12 saves in Chapman's absence while pitching to the tune of a sparkling 0.53 ERA.
But is Holmes's elite performance enough to supplant Chapman in the closer's role upon his return? Yankees insider Bryan Hoch reported that Chapman is expected to stay in the closer's role according to Aaron Boone.
Aroldis Chapman will appear for @SOMPatriots again tomorrow, then could be activated, Aaron Boone said. He will return to the ninth inning. #Yankees
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) June 25, 2022
At first, Yankees fans may be upset at the idea of Clay Holmes not working the 9th inning. But Aroldis Chapman is 13-year veteran who deserves the opportunity to close out games. He is still an effective pitcher.
Holmes will still be a vital piece to the puzzle. Tying a pitcher to the 9th inning limits flexibility. Aaron Boone can now use Holmes whenever he deems it necessary.
For example, say the Yankees are playing the Angels and the game is in the 7th inning. Imagine that the Angels are batting and Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani are due up. Boone can now call on Holmes in that situation.
In the end, this Yankees bullpen is elite regardless of who is closing games. Holmes and Chapman will aim to continue leading New York's relief core moving forward. And the Yankees will look to maintain their MLB best record.
Follow Us
Subscribe