The New York Yankees could utilize Aroldis Chapman in a different role in 2022. The flame throwing left-hander is not getting demoted, but reporter Bryan Hoch recently reported that New York might opt to use him in lower-leverage situations and match him up with left-handed batters at times this year.
Hoch shared a video on twitter discussing the Yankees plan for Chapman moving forward.
“Aroldis Chapman, eighth inning guy? Kind of, sort of, maybe, but not really.”
Hoch continued.
“Chapman will need to be ready to work the eighth inning on occasion this year. It’s not a demotion; they still do consider Chapman to be their closer.”
He went on to explain how manager Aaron Boone believes that Chapman could be useful in certain non-save situations and could be a pitcher who can get key outs in the seventh or eighth inning. Hoch also shared that although Chapman feels comfortable in the ninth inning as the team’s primary closer, he would be willing to do whatever is best for the Yankees.
So does this news have any real impact on the Yankees' bullpen?
Yes. If Boone fully trusted Chapman in the ninth there would be no need for this discussion. The Yankees current depth chart has Chapman listed at closer and Jonathan Loaisiga slated in the main setup man role, per CBS sports.
Loaisiga and Chad Green could both become options to earn save opportunities this year if Boone ends up using Chapman earlier in games. And one of them could eventually take over the role if Chapman struggles.
Chapman was fairly productive a season ago. The veteran reliever pitched to the tune of a 3.36 ERA and posted 30 saves. He also blew only four saves during the season. However, there was cause for concern. The 34-year old surrendered a career high 9 home runs. He also walked 38 batters which was the second highest total of his career. His 3.36 ERA also was the second highest mark of his career.
It will be interesting to see how the Yankees end up implementing Aroldis Chapman in 2022.
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